Peter Burrell (1724–1775) facts for kids

Peter Burrell (born August 27, 1724 – died November 6, 1775) was an important British politician and a barrister (a type of lawyer). He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which means he was recognized for his contributions to science.

About Peter Burrell's Life

Peter Burrell was born in London. His father was also named Peter Burrell, and his mother was Amy Raymond. Peter had an uncle, Sir Merrick Burrell, 1st Baronet, and a younger brother, Sir William Burrell, 2nd Baronet.

Education and Early Career

Peter Burrell went to St John's College, Cambridge, a famous university. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1745 and then a Master of Arts degree. In 1749, he became a barrister, which is a lawyer who argues cases in court. He was "called to the bar" by Lincoln's Inn, which is one of the professional groups for barristers in London.

Serving in Parliament

Peter Burrell became a Member of Parliament (MP). This means he was elected to represent people in the British House of Commons, which is a part of the British government. He served as an MP for Launceston from 1759 to 1768. After that, he represented Totnes in Parliament until 1774.

Other Important Roles

In 1752, Peter Burrell became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group that promotes science. In 1769, he was given another important job: Surveyor General of the Land Revenues of the Crown. In this role, he helped manage the land owned by the King or Queen.

Peter Burrell's Family Life

On February 28, 1748, Peter Burrell married Elizabeth Lewis. They lived at a place called Langley Park. Peter and Elizabeth had one son and four daughters. Their son, also named Peter, later became a nobleman known as Baron Gwydyr.

Here are his daughters:

• The first daughter, Elizabeth Amelia, married Richard Henry Alexander Bennet in 1766.
• The second daughter, Isabella (1750–1812), married Algernon Percy, 1st Earl of Beverley. Her family line later included the Dukes of Northumberland.
• The third daughter, Frances Julia Burrell, married Hugh Percy, who was the Second Duke of Northumberland, in 1779. She became the mother of two future Dukes of Northumberland: Hugh (the Third Duke) and Algernon Percy (the Fourth Duke). Interestingly, Frances's husband and Isabella's husband were brothers.
• The fourth daughter, Elizabeth, married twice. Her first husband was Douglas Hamilton, 8th Duke of Hamilton, and her second was Henry Cecil, 1st Marquess of Exeter. She did not have any children from either marriage.