Leonard Smelt (politician) facts for kids

Leonard Smelt (born around 1683 – died May 30, 1740) was an English politician. He was a member of the Whig party and served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, from 1709 to 1740. He came from a place called Kirkby Fleetham in Yorkshire.

Early Life and Family

Leonard Smelt was the oldest son of Leonard Smelt and Grace Frankland. His mother's father was Sir William Frankland, 1st Baronet. In 1700, young Leonard went to Jesus College, Cambridge to study. He had a brother named William Smelt. Leonard Smelt later married a woman named Elizabeth Whitaker.

Starting His Political Journey

In 1709, Leonard Smelt became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the first time. This happened in a special election called a by-election for the area of Thirsk. He was the first person in his family to become an MP.

He became an MP thanks to an agreement. Two important people in the area, Ralph Bell and Smelt's uncle, Thomas Frankland, made a deal. Bell agreed to support Smelt in this election. In return, Frankland promised to support Bell's chosen person in the next election.

Serving in Parliament

In 1710, Leonard Smelt inherited his family's estate in Kirkby Fleetham after his father passed away. As an MP, he took part in important votes. For example, he voted to investigate Henry Sacheverell, a clergyman.

He did not run for election in Thirsk in 1710 because of the earlier agreement. However, he was elected as an MP for Northallerton in the 1713 election. He also voted against removing Richard Steel from Parliament.

After the House of Hanover became the ruling family in Britain, Smelt was re-elected without anyone running against him in Northallerton in 1715. He supported the Whig government. He was given a job as a commissioner for army debts that same year.

He continued to be re-elected without opposition in Northallerton in 1722 and 1727. In 1722, he became a clerk of deliveries at the Board of Ordnance, which managed military supplies. He was promoted to a higher clerk position at the Board of Ordnance in 1733. He was elected again for Northallerton in 1734.

Later Life and Contributions

Leonard Smelt cared about his community. He paid for a public clock to be installed in Northallerton. Like his father, he was also a trustee for Kettlewell's charity. This charity helped poor people in the town by providing education, clothes, medicine, and Bibles.

Leonard Smelt passed away on May 30, 1740. He did not have any children. His family's estate in Kirkby Fleetham then went to the Aislabie family.