Lionel Tollemache, 4th Earl of Dysart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lionel Tollemache
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Lionel Tollemache, 4th Earl of Dysart, 1730, by John Vanderbank the Younger (1694–1739)
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| Born | 1 May 1708 |
| Died | 10 March 1770 (aged 61) London |
| Tenure | 1727–1770 |
| Other titles | 5th Baronet of Helmingham |
| Known for | High Steward of Ipswich Knight of the Thistle |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouse(s) | Grace Carteret |
| Issue | Lionel Wilbrahim Louisa, and others |
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Lionel Tollemache, 4th Earl of Dysart (born May 1, 1708 – died March 10, 1770) was an important nobleman from England. He held a special Scottish title called the Earl of Dysart. Before he became an Earl, he was known as Lord Huntingtower from 1712 to 1727.
Lionel's father, who was also named Lionel, passed away in 1712. This happened before his own father, the 3rd Earl of Dysart, died in 1727. When the 3rd Earl passed away, young Lionel inherited the title of Earl. He also gained control of five large estates. These included Ham House in Surrey and Helmingham Hall in Suffolk. He also owned lands in Northamptonshire and about 20,000 acres (8,100 ha) in Cheshire. The year after he inherited everything, he went on a "Grand Tour." This was a long trip around Europe that young noblemen often took to learn about art and culture.
In 1729, Lionel was chosen as the High Steward of Ipswich. This was an important local role, like a chief officer for the town. He held this position for 41 years, showing his dedication to the community.
Family Life
In 1729, Lionel Tollemache married Lady Grace Carteret. She was the daughter of a very important person, John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville. Lionel and Grace had many children together, sixteen in total. Sadly, nine of them did not live to be 17 years old.
Among their children who lived to adulthood were:
- Lionel Tollemache, 5th Earl of Dysart (1734–1799): He became the 5th Earl after his father.
- Wilbraham Tollemache, 6th Earl of Dysart (1739–1821): He became the 6th Earl after his older brother, Lionel.
- Hon. George Tollemache (1744–1760): He joined the Royal Navy. Sadly, he drowned at sea during a voyage to Lisbon.
- Louisa Tollemache, 7th Countess of Dysart (1745–1840): She became the 7th Countess after her brothers. She lived a very long life.
- Capt. Hon. John Tollemache (1748–1777): He was a captain in the Royal Navy. He passed away in New York City. His son, Lionel Robert Tollemache, was later cared for by his uncle, the 5th Earl.
- Lady Jane Tollemache (1750–1802): She was painted by the famous artist Sir Joshua Reynolds.
- Lt. Hon. William Tollemache (1751–1776): He was a lieutenant in the Royal Navy. His ship was lost in a hurricane near Bermuda.
In 1743, Lionel Tollemache was made a Knight of the Thistle. This is a very special honor from Scotland.
Later Years and Legacy
Grace, Lady Dysart, passed away in 1755. Lionel Tollemache, the 4th Earl of Dysart, died in 1770 when he was 72 years old. He was buried at Helmingham.
His eldest son, Lionel, became the 5th Earl of Dysart. However, this Lionel did not have any children who could inherit the title. So, after his death, the title passed to his next surviving brother, Wilbraham, who became the 6th Earl. After Wilbraham, the title went to their sister, Louisa, who became the 7th Countess of Dysart. She was the second of their three daughters who lived to adulthood and inherited the title.
The special funeral plaques, called funerary hatchments, for the Earl and Countess can now be seen in St Andrew's Church, Ham.
