John Wodehouse, 1st Baron Wodehouse facts for kids
John Wodehouse, 1st Baron Wodehouse (born April 4, 1741 – died May 29, 1834) was an important person in British history. He was a landowner, a Member of Parliament (which means he helped make laws), and later became a peer. This means he was given a special title and a seat in the House of Lords. Before he became a Baron, he was known as Sir John Wodehouse, 6th Baronet.
John Wodehouse's Journey
John Wodehouse was the son of Sir Armine Wodehouse. When his father passed away in 1777, John became the 6th Baronet. In 1784, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Norfolk. He worked in the House of Commons until 1797. In that year, he was given the special title of Baron Wodehouse. This new title meant he became a peer and could sit in the House of Lords.
Building Kimberley Hall's Gardens
In 1778, Baron Wodehouse hired a famous landscape designer named Capability Brown. Brown helped to improve the beautiful grounds around Wodehouse's home, Kimberley Hall, near Wymondham. Brown had actually worked for John's father back in 1762. By 1827, John Wodehouse had created a lovely "pleasure ground" (a fancy garden area). He also made the park bigger and added three grand entrances. The beautiful landscape that Wodehouse helped create is still mostly there today!
John Wodehouse lived a long life. He passed away in May 1834 when he was 93 years old. His oldest son then inherited his titles.
His Family
John Wodehouse married Sophia Berkeley on March 30, 1769. Sophia passed away in 1825. Together, they had six children: four sons and two daughters.
- John Wodehouse, 2nd Baron Wodehouse (born 1771 – died 1846)
- Vice-Admiral Philip Wodehouse (born 1773 – died 1838), who was an officer in the Royal Navy.
- Reverend Armine Wodehouse (born 1776 – died 1853), who was a clergyman.
- Reverend William Wodehouse (born 1782 – died 1870), who was also a clergyman.
- Sophia Wodehouse (died 1852), who never married.
- Letitia Wodehouse (died 1864), who married twice.
