Kingsmill Eyre facts for kids

Kingsmill Eyre (born May 23, 1682, died 1743) was an interesting person from history. He worked as the Secretary for Chelsea Hospital, which is a famous place in London. He was also good at designing gardens and even held a special patent for a new way to make iron.

Kingsmill Eyre's Family Life

Kingsmill Eyre was the youngest of five children. His parents were Samuel and Martha Eyre. They lived in a place called New House in Whiteparish, Wiltshire, England. Kingsmill had an older brother named Robert Eyre. Robert was a very important lawyer. He served as the Solicitor-General for England and Wales and later became the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. This shows that Kingsmill came from an influential family.

Kingsmill Eyre's Career Journey

Early Work and Connections

In 1702, Kingsmill's mother wanted to find him a job. She even asked the famous philosopher John Locke for help. Kingsmill had already spent eight years learning about business. He was an apprentice to a merchant who supplied goods to the Navy Board. He even spent some of this time in Holland. We don't know exactly what happened after his apprenticeship.

However, Kingsmill Eyre later became connected to Robert Walpole. Walpole was a very powerful politician. Kingsmill's brother Robert might have helped him make this important connection.

Working at Chelsea Hospital

Because of his connection to Robert Walpole, Kingsmill got an important job. In 1716, he became the Agent for the Four Companies of Invalids at Chelsea Hospital. Walpole was the treasurer of the hospital, so he could give Kingsmill this job. In 1718, Kingsmill was promoted. He became the Secretary to the Commissioners of Chelsea College. This was a big responsibility.

Designing Gardens

During this time, Kingsmill Eyre also used his creative skills. He was in charge of designing the garden at Walpole's large home. This home was called Houghton and was in Norfolk. Kingsmill might have designed other gardens too during the 1720s.

Iron-Making Project

In the 1720s, Kingsmill Eyre got involved in a project to make iron. This project was led by William Wood. Wood's son had a special patent in 1727. This patent was for a new way to make iron using coal in a special type of oven called an air furnace. William Wood got a similar patent in 1728. But the project didn't work out as planned. Wood couldn't do what he promised.

It's not clear how much Kingsmill Eyre was involved at first. But in 1736, he took out a similar patent in his own name. This shows he was very interested in new ways to make iron.

Royal Society Membership

In May 1726, Kingsmill Eyre was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. The Royal Society is a very old and respected group of scientists. Being a Fellow means you are recognized for your important contributions to science and knowledge.