John Villiers, 3rd Earl of Clarendon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Clarendon
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| Justice in Eyre North of Trent | |
| In office 30 October 1790 – 22 December 1838 |
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| Monarch | George III, George IV, William IV, Victoria |
| Preceded by | The Viscount Falmouth |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 November 1757 |
| Died | 22 December 1838 (aged 81) |
John Charles Villiers, 3rd Earl of Clarendon (born 14 November 1757 – died 22 December 1838) was an important British peer and Member of Parliament. A peer is a noble person, and a Member of Parliament (MP) is someone elected to represent people in the government. He was part of the famous Villiers family.
Contents
Life and Early Career
John Charles Villiers was born on 14 November 1757. His parents were Lady Charlotte and Thomas Villiers, 1st Earl of Clarendon. He went to school at Eton and later studied at St John's College, Cambridge. He became a lawyer at Lincoln's Inn in 1779.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1784, John Charles Villiers became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Old Sarum. This was a "rotten borough," meaning it was a place with very few voters but still had an MP. He then represented Dartmouth from 1790 to 1802. Later, he was an MP for the Tain Burghs and Queenborough.
He wasn't known for being a great speaker in Parliament. People often described him as someone who told very long stories. However, he was a strong supporter of the Prime Minister, William Pitt the Younger.
Important Roles and Positions
In 1790, Villiers received an important job for life. He became the warden and chief justice in eyre of all the royal forests north of the Trent River. This was a well-paid job that didn't require much work, known as a "sinecure."
He also held several other significant roles:
- In 1782, he became a King's Counsel in the Duchy Court of Lancaster.
- From 1786, he was the Surveyor of Woods for the Duchy of Lancaster.
- In 1787, he joined the Privy Council and became the Comptroller of the King's Household. The Privy Council advises the King or Queen.
- In 1790, he became a Commissioner of the Board of Trade.
Military and Diplomatic Service
When the French Republic caused worries in Britain, Villiers joined the military. In 1794, he was made a colonel in the First Regiment of Fencible Cavalry. He also held the rank of colonel in the army during his service.
From 1808 to 1810, Villiers served as an envoy to the court of Portugal. An envoy is a diplomat who represents their country in another nation.
Later Life and Earl of Clarendon
In 1824, his older brother, Thomas, passed away without having children. This meant John Charles Villiers became the 3rd Earl of Clarendon. After this, he spent less time in public life. Instead, he focused on religious and charitable activities.
He died suddenly on 22 December 1838, at the age of 81, in Deal, Kent. He was buried in Watford. His nephew, George Villiers, became the next Earl. George Villiers later became a very important politician.
Family Life
Lord Clarendon married Maria Eleanor Forbes on 5 January 1791. She was his cousin. Her father was Admiral John Forbes. John and Maria had one child, Lady Mary Harriet Villiers, who died unmarried in 1835.
See also
