John Verney, 1st Viscount Fermanagh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Verney, 1st Viscount Fermanagh
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portrait by Gerard Soest
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| Born | 5 November 1640 |
| Died | 23 June 1717 (aged 76) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Palmer, Mary Lawley, Elizabeth Baker |
| Children | Ralph Verney, 1st Earl Verney, Margaret Verney, Mary Verney |
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John Verney, the 1st Viscount Fermanagh (born November 5, 1640 – died June 23, 1717), was an important English politician and merchant. He was also known as Sir John Verney, 2nd Baronet, for a few years. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a main part of the government, from 1710 until he passed away in 1717.
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Growing Up and Early Adventures
John Verney was the second son of Sir Ralph Verney, 1st Baronet, and his wife, Mary Blacknall. He was the only one of their sons who lived to be an adult.
Life in France
When John was just eight years old, he went with his father to live in France. This was because his father was in exile, meaning he had to leave England for a while. John spent five years studying in a town called Blois.
Back in England
After his family returned to England, John continued his education. He went to a school run by James Fleetwood in Barn Elms. Later, in 1655, he attended another school in Kensington.
Becoming a Merchant
After finishing school, John started working for a merchant who traded with countries in the Levant. The Levant is a historical name for a large area in the Eastern Mediterranean. This job took him on exciting trips to places like Mesopotamia (which is now mostly Iraq) and Cyprus.
His Marriages
John Verney was married three times.
- His first wife was Elizabeth Palmer. They got married on May 27, 1680, at Westminster Abbey. Elizabeth passed away in 1686.
- His second wife was Mary Lawley. They married on July 10, 1692, also at Westminster Abbey. Sadly, Mary died just two years later while giving birth. Their newborn son also passed away shortly after.
- His third wife was Elizabeth Baker. They married on April 8, 1696, in Kensington.
In 1696, John became the 2nd Baronet after his father passed away. A baronet is a special title of honor, passed down through families.
His Public Life and Politics
John Verney was involved in many important roles throughout his life.
Business and Charity
For several years, he helped manage the Royal African Company. He also served as the governor of Bethlem Royal Hospital. This hospital was one of the oldest mental health hospitals in the world.
Entering Politics
John tried to become a member of parliament (MP) several times. An MP is someone elected to represent a certain area in the House of Commons.
- He tried to win a seat for Buckinghamshire in 1696 and 1698.
- He also tried for the town of Buckingham in 1701.
Each time, he was not successful.
Becoming a Viscount
On June 16, 1703, John Verney was given two new titles: Viscount of the County of Fermanagh and Baron Verney of Belturbet. These titles were part of the Peerage of Ireland. Being a peer in Ireland meant he could still be elected as an MP in England.
Serving in Parliament
Because his new titles were Irish, John could still run for a seat in the English Parliament.
- In the 1710 general election, he was successfully elected as an MP for Buckinghamshire.
- He was elected again for Buckinghamshire in 1713.
- In the 1715 general election, he was elected without anyone running against him for Amersham. He represented Amersham until he died in 1717.
Later Life and Family
Viscount Fermanagh passed away at the age of 76. He was buried in Middle Claydon in Buckinghamshire a week later.
He had one son and three daughters with his first wife. His only son who lived to adulthood, Ralph, inherited his titles.
