Joseph Yorke, 1st Baron Dover facts for kids

Joseph Yorke was an important British soldier and diplomat.

Joseph Yorke, born on June 24, 1724, was a significant figure in British history. He was a soldier, a diplomat, and a politician. He later became known as Lord Dover, a special title given by the King. Joseph Yorke worked for his country for many years. He served in the army and represented Britain in other countries. He was also a member of Parliament, helping to make laws.

Joseph's Family Background

Margaret Yorke was Joseph's mother.

Joseph Yorke was the third son in his family. His father was Philip Yorke, who held the title of the 1st Earl of Hardwicke. His mother was Margaret Cocks. Joseph had several brothers, including Philip Yorke, who became the 2nd Earl of Hardwicke. His other brothers were Charles Yorke and James Yorke.

Joseph's Military Career

Joseph Yorke began his military career in 1741. He joined the 2nd Regiment of Foot Guards as an ensign. This was a junior officer rank. In 1743, he was promoted to lieutenant in the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards.

He served in a major conflict called the War of the Austrian Succession. During this war, he worked as an aide-de-camp. This meant he was a personal assistant to a high-ranking officer, the Duke of Cumberland. Joseph Yorke also fought in the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745. After this battle, he became a captain and lieutenant-colonel.

Over the years, Joseph Yorke continued to rise through the military ranks.

• In 1749, he became an aide-de-camp to the King.
• In 1755, he was made a colonel, leading the 9th Regiment of Foot.
• By 1758, he was a Major-General.
• In 1760, he became a Lieutenant-General.
• Finally, in 1777, he reached the highest rank of full General.

Joseph's Diplomatic and Political Life

Joseph Yorke had a long and important career as a diplomat. In 1749, he became the Secretary to the British Embassy in Paris, France. Two years later, he moved to the Netherlands. He became the British Minister Plenipotentiary to the United Provinces. This meant he was Britain's main representative there. He held this important job for 30 years.

In 1761, his position was upgraded to that of an ambassador. This showed how important his role was. During this time, he also served in the British House of Commons. This is where laws are made in Britain. He represented different areas:

• East Grinstead from 1751 to 1761.
• Dover from 1761 to 1774.
• Grampound from 1774 to 1780.

Joseph Yorke received special honors for his service. In 1761, he was made a Knight Companion of the Order of the Bath (KB). In 1768, he joined the Privy Council. This is a group of important advisors to the King. In 1788, he was given the title of Lord Dover. This made him a Baron, a special noble title.

Joseph's Family Life

This memorial in St Andrew's Church, Wimpole, Cambridgeshire, honors Joseph Yorke.

Lord Dover married Christiana Charlotte Margaret in 1783. She was the daughter of a Danish nobleman, Baron de Stöcken. Joseph and Christiana did not have any children.

Joseph Yorke passed away in December 1792, when he was 68 years old. Because he had no children, his title of Baron Dover ended with him. Lady Dover, his wife, died just three months later in March 1793.