Matthew Robinson, 2nd Baron Rokeby facts for kids
Matthew Robinson, 2nd Baron Rokeby (born April 12, 1713 – died November 30, 1800) was an English nobleman. He owned a lot of land and was also a politician. Later in his life, many people thought he was quite unusual or eccentric.
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Early Life and Family
Matthew Robinson was born into a large family in Yorkshire, England. His parents were Matthew Robinson and Elizabeth Drake. He had several famous sisters, including the writers Elizabeth Montagu and Sarah Scott. His family was well-known, and some of his brothers also became important figures, like a legal writer, a church leader, and a Member of Parliament.
Matthew inherited land from both sides of his family. From his father's side, he received property near Rokeby Park. From his mother's side, he inherited the Mount Morris estate in Monks Horton, Kent, in 1746. After this, he added "Morris" to his name.
He studied law at Lincoln's Inn starting in 1730 and then went to Trinity Hall, Cambridge in 1731, where he became a Fellow in 1734.
In 1746, Matthew Robinson-Morris became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This was a big honor, as the Royal Society is a famous group for people interested in science and learning. His friends recommended him, saying he was "well versed in Philosophical Learning, and polite Literature."
He also served on the board of the Bedford Level Corporation from 1756 to 1763. This group managed important land and water areas.
Political Career and Title
Matthew Robinson-Morris was elected to Parliament to represent the city of Canterbury. He served as a Member of Parliament from 1747 to 1761. He was part of the Whig political group.
In 1794, he inherited the title of Lord Rokeby. This happened after his father's second cousin, Richard Robinson, 1st Baron Rokeby, passed away. Richard Robinson was a very important church leader in Ireland, known as the Primate of All Ireland.
A Unique Character
The 2nd Lord Rokeby became known for his very unusual habits. He loved taking baths and swimming. After a trip to a spa town, he started swimming in the sea every day, no matter the weather! He enjoyed it so much that his servant often had to convince him to come home. Sometimes, he even fainted and needed help.
He had a small hut built on the beach at Hythe and even had drinking fountains placed along his walking route to the sea. He would walk all the way, while his servant followed in a fancy carriage. If he saw people drinking from his fountains, he would give them a coin.
Lord Rokeby also decided to let his beard grow very long. This was quite unusual for the time. It grew so thick that it was said to reach under his arms and could be seen from behind! A few years later, he built a special swimming pool at his home. It was under glass and heated by the sun. He would spend hours there, usually by himself. He also refused to have a fire in his house, even during the coldest weather.
Because he lived a very private life, some strange rumors spread about him. He had unusual eating habits, preferring things like beef tea and venison. He also refused to see doctors. He believed that God was best worshipped outdoors, by the sea and sky, rather than in a church.
When Lord Rokeby did have visitors, he sometimes "entertained" them with long, boring poems. He once prepared a huge meal for Prince William of Gloucester but ate very little himself. He rarely visited the royal court, which sometimes embarrassed his sister, Elizabeth Montagu, who was a well-known socialite. When he stayed at an inn in 1796 to vote in an election, curious local people thought he looked like a Turk.
His sister, Mrs. Montagu, wrote about him in letters. In 1755, she said he was living a very private and serious life, which seemed wise to others. In 1756, she mentioned his unusual diet, saying he ate almost raw meat and avoided bread, using honey instead of sugar.
Later Years and Death
Lord Rokeby passed away peacefully in his bed in December 1800. His title and estates were then passed on to his nephew, Morris Robinson, 3rd Baron Rokeby. His tomb, which has a sculpture by John Bacon, can be found in Armagh Cathedral in Ireland.
Images for kids
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Lord Rokeby, a stipple engraving showing him with a tricorn hat.
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Lord Rokeby
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The late Right Honorable Matthew Robinson, Baron Rokeby of Armagh, painted by Thomas Arrowsmith.
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Lord Rokeby, drawn and engraved by Chapman.
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Lord Rokeby, from a magazine print published in 1808.
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Lord Rokeby, from an engraving by R. Page, published in 1821.
