Paul Docminique facts for kids

Paul Docminique (1643–1735) was an important British merchant and politician. He lived in London and Surrey. He was a member of the House of Commons for 30 years, from 1705 to 1735. He was part of the Tory political party.

Paul Docminique's Early Life

Paul Docminique was born in 1643. His family, the Docminiques, were Huguenots. Huguenots were French Protestants who often faced challenges in France. His parents, Paul and Marie, came from France.

In 1662, Paul became a British citizen. This process is called being "naturalized." He took over his father's business after 1667. Paul married Alice Edwards in 1674. After she passed away, he married her cousin, Margaret Edwards, in 1686.

His Career in Business and Politics

Paul Docminique was involved in many businesses. From 1695 to 1696, he was a director of the Company of Scotland. This company aimed to set up trade and colonies. In 1696, he helped with a "land bank," which was a type of bank. He also led the White Paper Makers’ Company in 1697.

In 1704, Paul bought a large property in Surrey. This included the manor of Chipstead. Owning this land gave him control over a special voting area. This area was called Gatton. This control helped him get into politics.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1705, Paul Docminique became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Gatton. He was a member of the Tory party. He won his seat without anyone running against him. This happened in the 1705 English general election. He was re-elected in 1708 and 1710.

From 1711 to 1712, he was the president of the Society of New Jersey proprietors. This group managed land in the American colonies. He was re-elected as MP for Gatton in 1713. In 1714, when King George I came to the throne, Paul was made a Lord of Trade. He was 71 years old at the time. This meant he helped manage Britain's trade.

Working in Parliament

Paul Docminique was re-elected as an MP for Gatton in 1715. He often voted with the government. He was re-elected again in 1722. During this time, he made some speeches in Parliament.

For example, in 1721, he spoke about money. This was about what to do with money taken from people involved in the "South Sea Bubble." This was a big financial crisis. He also spoke about army spending in 1724. Later that year, he talked about people who lost money in other financial "bubbles."

He was re-elected for Gatton in 1727 and 1734. Paul was known for attending many meetings of the Board of Trade. He continued to work there until March 1735.

Later Life and Legacy

Paul Docminique passed away on March 17, 1735. He was 92 years old. He had three sons and one daughter. Sadly, one son and his daughter passed away before him. His son, Charles Docminique, also became an MP for Gatton, following in his father's footsteps.