Joseph Micklethwaite, 1st Viscount Micklethwaite facts for kids

Joseph Micklethwaite, 1st Viscount Micklethwaite (born around 1680 – died 16 January 1734), was an important English politician, a member of the nobility (a 'peer'), and a diplomat. He held various significant roles during his lifetime.

Early Life and Family

Joseph Micklethwaite was born around the year 1680. His family was well-known in Yorkshire, England. His older brother was Thomas Micklethwaite, who was also a politician. Thomas served as a Member of Parliament for Arundel and later held important government jobs, like being a Lord of the Treasury. Joseph would later follow in his brother's footsteps in politics.

A Career in Public Service

Joseph Micklethwaite started his career working abroad. He worked in the Netherlands for Lord Shaftesbury. Later, he moved to Spain, where he served as a secretary to Earl Stanhope. Earl Stanhope was the English ambassador to Spain at the time.

When Earl Stanhope returned to England, Joseph Micklethwaite continued to work closely with him. He managed Stanhope's business affairs. When Stanhope became the Chancellor of the Exchequer (a top financial job in the government) from 1717 to 1718, Joseph served as his secretary.

In 1718, Joseph inherited money and a seat in Parliament from his brother Thomas. This meant he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Arundel. He held this position until 1727.

On 14 August 1724, Joseph Micklethwaite was given a special noble title: Baron Micklethwaite, of Portarlington. This was a title within the Peerage of Ireland, which means it was a noble title recognized in Ireland. A few years later, on 6 June 1727, he received an even higher title: Viscount Micklethwaite, of Longford, also in the Peerage of Ireland.

From 1727 until his death in 1734, Lord Micklethwaite represented the town of Kingston upon Hull in Parliament. This town was in his home county of Yorkshire.

Later Life and Passing

Lord Micklethwaite passed away in 1734. He never married, and because he had no children, his noble titles ended with him. He left his property to a friend, Anne Ewer. Eventually, his estate became part of the Shaftesbury family's property.