John Willett Adye facts for kids

John Willett Adye, painted around 1785 by George Romney.

John Willett Adye (born in 1745, died in 1815) was an important person in England. He owned large farms called plantations, especially in a place called St Kitts. He was also a politician, which means he helped make decisions for the country. Later in his life, he changed his name to John Willett Willett.

Life of John Willett Adye

John Willett Adye was born on January 1, 1745. He was the second son of Stephen Adye and Clara Payne, who lived in St Kitts. When he was young, he was adopted by Ralph Willett. Ralph was a first cousin of John's mother.

John went to school at Lincoln's Inn. After his education, he became a collector, just like his adoptive father, Ralph Willett. They enjoyed collecting interesting items.

Ralph Willett passed away in 1795. John Adye became his main heir, meaning he inherited Ralph's property. This included plantations in St Kitts. As part of Ralph's will, John had to take Willett as his new last name.

The next year, in 1796, John was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for New Romney. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the government. He supported William Pitt the younger, who was a very important political leader. After Pitt died, John did not run for election again in 1806.

Later in his life, John Willett Willett faced some money problems. In 1813, he sold many of his collections from Merley House. He died on September 26, 1815. He was a member of important groups like the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries of London. A special monument was placed for him in the church of Canford Magna.

John Willett Adye's Family

Catherine Adye, John Willett Adye's first wife, painted by George Romney.

John Willett Adye was married two times:

• In 1780, he married Catherine Brouncker. She was the daughter of Henry Brouncker from St Kitts. Catherine passed away in 1798.
• In 1805, he married Frances Wilson.

From his first marriage, he had sons. His oldest son was John Willett Willett Jr. (1784–1839). The family estate later went to his other son, Henry Ralph Willett, who was a barrister (a type of lawyer).