Martin Bladen facts for kids

Colonel Martin Bladen (born 1680, died 1746) was an important British politician. He served in the Irish House of Commons and the British House of Commons. He also held key jobs like being in charge of trade and colonies, a special advisor in Ireland, and managing the Royal Mint.

Martin Bladen's Family Life

Martin Bladen was born in 1680 in Yorkshire, England. His father, Nathaniel Bladen, was a lawyer. His mother, Isabella Fairfax, came from a well-known family.

Martin had an older brother, William Bladen, who worked as a lawyer in Maryland. His nephew, Thomas Bladen, even became the Governor of Maryland later on. Martin's sister, Elizabeth, was the mother of the famous Admiral Edward Hawke, 1st Baron Hawke. Martin helped Admiral Hawke with his naval career.

Early Life and Military Career

Martin Bladen went to Westminster School and then to St John's College in Cambridge. He also studied law but decided not to become a lawyer.

In 1697, he joined the army as an Ensign. His uncle, Brigadier-General Thomas Fairfax, was in his regiment. Martin was first sent to Ireland. Later, his regiment fought in Spain, Gibraltar, and Portugal. He served under the Duke of Marlborough. Martin became an aide to General Henri de Massue de Ruvigny. By 1709, he was a Colonel, but he left the army within a year.

Martin Bladen's Political Journey

Martin Bladen started his political career in 1713. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Kinsale in Ireland. In 1715, he won another Irish seat for Bandon. He also won a seat in the British Parliament for Stockbridge. Later, he represented Maldon (in 1734) and Portsmouth (in 1741).

Working at the Royal Mint

In 1714, Martin Bladen got a job as the Comptroller of the Royal Mint. This was a very important role. The famous scientist Isaac Newton was the head of the Mint at that time. Martin stayed at the Mint until Newton passed away many years later. This job was not full-time, which allowed him to take on other roles.

Serving the Government

In 1715, Martin was offered a job as an ambassador to Switzerland, but he turned it down. Instead, he became Chief Secretary in Ireland. He worked with his former military commander, the Earl of Galway. In the same year, he became a special advisor (Privy Councillor) in Ireland.

In 1717, he was offered another ambassador job, this time to Spain, but he declined again. He chose to join the Board of Trade and Plantations as a Commissioner. This board was very important for managing Britain's trade and colonies. Martin Bladen was a Whig politician, and he always supported Robert Walpole, who was a powerful leader at the time.

Negotiating for Britain

In 1719, Martin Bladen was sent to France to discuss important matters left over from the Treaty of Utrecht (1713). These talks included setting borders for colonies in America and discussing losses for the Hudson's Bay Company. While in France, he met with the young King Louis XV and other important French leaders. He quickly spoke up when he heard that the French had captured the island of St Lucia.

Ideas for the American Colonies

In 1721, Bladen wrote a long report about the American colonies. He suggested that all the colonies should be united under one military leader, called a Captain-General. He thought New York would be a good place for this leader. He believed that Britain's power and trade greatly benefited from its colonies. He felt it was important for the colonies to support Britain. A strong, united Britain with its colonies would stop other European countries from trying to take over.

Later, in 1739, another report was written. This one focused more on keeping good trade relations with the American colonies. It suggested that trade was more important than making the colonies completely obey Britain.

Growing Influence

Martin Bladen's influence at the Board of Trade grew throughout the 1730s. He attended a meeting in Antwerp to discuss trade taxes. In 1730, he was also present when seven Cherokee Indian Chiefs met with the Board of Trade. They were there to confirm the British Cherokee Friendship Treaty of 1730. Martin also helped his nephew, Thomas Bladen, get into Parliament. They often voted the same way on important issues.

Personal Life and Family

Martin Bladen married Mary Gibbs around 1699. Her father, Colonel John Gibbs, was once the Governor of North Carolina. Martin and Mary had one daughter named Isabella. Isabella later married John Tinker and had two sons. Mary passed away in 1724.

In 1727 or 1728, Martin married Frances Foche/Jory. Frances owned land and properties. She inherited a place called Aldborough Hatch in Essex, where Martin built a new house for them to live in. Frances had children from a previous marriage, but they all died before her.

Later in life, Martin was a Justice of the Peace. He played a big part in making the famous highwayman Dick Turpin leave Barking in Essex. Martin also owned a house in London and other properties in Northumberland and Rutland. He died in February 1746.

Writings and Translations

Martin Bladen was also a writer and translator. In 1704, he translated Julius Caesar's books about his wars from Latin into English. He dedicated this work to the Duke of Marlborough. He also wrote a book called 'The History of the Last War in Spain,' which defended how the British government and generals acted during that war. Besides these, he also wrote poetry.