Joseph Danvers facts for kids
Sir Joseph Danvers, 1st Baronet (born 24 December 1686 – died 21 October 1753) was an English politician. He came from Swithland, a place in Leicestershire. Sir Joseph was a member of the British House of Commons, which is like a parliament, from 1722 to 1747.
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Sir Joseph Danvers' Early Life
Joseph Danvers was the oldest son of Samuel Danvers and Elizabeth Morewood. His father, Samuel, was also from Swithland. Joseph's mother, Elizabeth, was the only daughter of Joseph Morewood, a merchant from London.
Joseph took over his father's estates in 1693. In 1709, he joined Lincoln's Inn, which was a place where people studied law. Later, in 1721, he also inherited land in Oxfordshire from his mother's second husband, John Danvers.
Family Life
On 7 December 1721, Joseph Danvers married Frances Babington. She was the daughter of Thomas Babington from Rothley Temple, also in Leicestershire.
In 1724, Joseph Danvers became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a special group for important scientists and thinkers.
A Life in Politics
Before becoming a Member of Parliament, Joseph Danvers had another important role. He was chosen as the High Sheriff of Leicestershire for part of 1721. A High Sheriff was a top official responsible for law and order in a county.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
Joseph Danvers first became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1722. He was elected for a place called Boroughbridge. An MP is someone chosen to represent people in the British House of Commons, where laws are made.
He was known for speaking often in Parliament. He represented different areas during his time as an MP:
- In 1727, he was elected for Bramber.
- In 1734, he switched and became the MP for Totnes.
- He was re-elected for Totnes in 1741.
Becoming a Baronet
In 1746, Joseph Danvers was given the special title of a baronet. This means he became "Sir Joseph Danvers, 1st Baronet." A baronet is a hereditary title, like a knight, but it can be passed down in the family. He retired from Parliament in 1747.
Later Life and Unique Burial
Sir Joseph Danvers passed away on 21 October 1753. He was buried in the churchyard of St Leonard's church in Swithland.
He had a very unusual burial request. His tomb was built half inside the churchyard and half outside on his own land. This was so his favorite dog could be buried with him. The dog was buried on the part of the land that was not considered holy ground.
Sir Joseph Danvers had one son, John, who inherited his baronet title. He also had four daughters.
Images for kids
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Arms of the Danvers baronets of Swithland.
