Nicholas Lechmere, 1st Baron Lechmere facts for kids
Nicholas Lechmere was an important English lawyer and politician who lived a long time ago, from 1675 to 1727. He was a member of the Whig party, which was one of the main political groups in England at the time. He worked in the House of Commons, which is like today's Parliament, from 1708 until 1721. Later, he was given the special title of Baron Lechmere. He also held very important jobs like Attorney-General and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Life of Nicholas Lechmere
Nicholas Lechmere was born in 1675. His family lived in Hanley Castle, Worcestershire. His older brother, Anthony Lechmere, was also a Member of Parliament. Nicholas decided to become a lawyer, just like his grandfather, Sir Nicholas Lechmere. He started studying law in 1693 and became a lawyer in 1698. By 1708, he was recognized as a King's counsel, which is a special title for experienced lawyers. He became very successful and earned a lot of money in his law career.
In 1708, Nicholas Lechmere was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Appleby. He then moved to represent Cockermouth in 1710 and 1713. He helped write new laws, especially some about Scotland in 1710. He disagreed with the Tory party's plans for peace after 1710. He also supported the rights of Dissenters, who were Protestants who did not agree with the Church of England. During the time of Queen Anne, he was known as a strong voice for the Whig party.
In 1714, Nicholas Lechmere was given the important job of Solicitor-General. He continued to be a Member of Parliament for Cockermouth in 1715. Later, in 1717, he became the MP for Tewkesbury. In 1718, he was made Attorney-General, which is the chief legal advisor to the government. He also became a Privy Counsellor and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
On September 4, 1721, Nicholas Lechmere received a special honor. He was made a Baron Lechmere of Evesham. This meant he became a member of the peerage, a group of high-ranking nobles. After this, he left his seat in the House of Commons.
Nicholas Lechmere also worked with a writer named Richard Steele on a pamphlet called The Crisis. He passed away suddenly on June 18, 1727, at his home in Kensington. He was buried in Hanley Castle, where there is a special tablet to remember him.
Family
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Nicholas Lechmere married Lady Elizabeth Howard in 1719. She was the daughter of Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle. However, they did not have any children. Because of this, when Nicholas Lechmere died in 1727, his special title of Baron Lechmere ended.
