Matthew Fetherstonhaugh facts for kids

Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh (born around 1714, died 18 March 1774) was an important English politician and landowner. He owned a lot of land and was involved in the government of his time.

A portrait of Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh by Pompeo Batoni.

Early Life and Family

Matthew Fetherstonhaugh was the son of another Matthew Fetherstonhaugh, who lived at Featherstone Castle in Northumberland. In 1746, he inherited lands from a relative, Sir Henry Fetherston. Sir Henry's special title, called a baronetcy, ended when he died. However, on January 3, 1747, Matthew Fetherstonhaugh was given his own baronetcy. This meant he became "Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh, 1st Baronet." A baronet is a title of honor, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family.

Uppark Estate

In December 1746, Sir Matthew married Sarah Lethieullier. She was the sister of Benjamin Lethieullier. After their marriage, he bought a large estate called Uppark in Sussex. He also bought other lands nearby. In 1747, he sold his family's old estate at Featherstone.

Between 1748 and 1753, Sir Matthew went on a long trip around Europe called the Grand Tour. He traveled with his brother-in-law, Benjamin Lethieullier. They brought back many beautiful Italian artworks to Uppark.

Public Life and Achievements

Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh was a very educated man. In February 1752, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers in Britain. They chose him because he was "a gentleman of literature and improvement, and versed in natural knowledge." This means he was good at learning and understood a lot about nature.

Political Career

Sir Matthew was also a Member of Parliament (MP). This means he was elected to represent people in the British government.

• He was an MP for Morpeth from 1755 to 1761.
• Then, he was an MP for Portsmouth from 1762 until he died in 1774.

In the 1750s, he hired a famous architect named James Paine. Paine designed and built a grand house for Sir Matthew in London called Dover House. This house is in a famous area called Whitehall.

Legacy

Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh passed away on March 18, 1774. His son, Henry, inherited his title and lands. In the same year he died, Sir Matthew also ordered the building of a special structure called the Vandalian Tower.

Images for kids

• 

  Featherstone Castle, the family's original home.

• 

  Uppark, the estate Sir Matthew bought after his marriage.