Peter Gott facts for kids

Peter Gott was an important English politician and businessman who lived a long time ago, from 1653 to 1712. He was known as an ironmaster, which means he owned and managed businesses that made iron. He was also a Whig politician, part of a major political group in England at the time. Peter Gott served in the House of Commons, which is a bit like today's Parliament, from 1690 to 1712. He lived in Stanmer, Sussex, and also in London.

Early Life and Family

Peter Gott was born on May 22, 1653. His father, Samuel Gott, was also an ironmaster in Battle, Sussex. Peter's mother was Joan Farnden.

In 1670, Peter Gott began studying law at Gray's Inn in London. When his father passed away in 1671, Peter took over the family's estates and iron-making businesses.

In 1677, Peter Gott married his cousin, Martha Western. Her father, Thomas Western, was also involved in the iron business. In 1685, Peter was a Baron of the Cinque Ports. This was a special title given to representatives from important coastal towns. He even helped carry a canopy over the Queen during a coronation ceremony that year.

By 1690, England was at war again. Peter Gott became a very important supplier of iron cannons and other iron weapons to the government.

Political Career and Public Service

Peter Gott was the Sheriff of Sussex from 1688 to 1689. This was an important local role, similar to a governor or chief law enforcement officer for the county.

He tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1689 for Rye and Hastings, but he didn't win. However, in the 1690 English general election, he successfully became an MP for Hastings.

Peter Gott took a break from Parliament for a few years. In 1698, he became a director of the New East India Company. This company was very important for trade with countries in Asia. He also served as a director of the Bank of England until 1700.

He was elected as an MP for Hastings again in the 1698 English general election. Even though he wasn't very active in Parliament, he was known as a supporter of the King's government and later of the Whig Junto. The Whig Junto was a powerful group of Whig politicians.

In 1700, Peter Gott and another politician named John Pulteney helped pay for the building of Hastings Town Hall. This shows his commitment to his local community. He was re-elected as an MP for Hastings in 1701.

Later in 1701, he tried to become an MP for Winchelsea but was not successful.

Becoming a Sussex MP

Peter Gott bought a large estate called the manor of Stanmer for £8,000. This became his main home. He also owned other properties in Rye and across Sussex. These properties gave him enough influence to run for MP for the entire county of Sussex in the 1708 British general election.

He also ran for MP in Lewes at the same time. He won both elections! He chose to represent Sussex, and his son Samuel took his place as the MP for Lewes.

In 1710, Peter Gott's younger son, Peter Goff, was given an important job. He became the receiver-general of the land tax for Sussex. This meant he collected taxes on land for the government. Peter Gott and his older son Samuel helped their younger son by acting as guarantors for him.

In the 1710 British general election, Peter Gott became the MP for Lewes, taking over from his son Samuel. On December 7, 1711, he voted for a motion called 'No Peace without Spain'. This was a big political debate about the ongoing war.

Later Life and Legacy

Peter Gott passed away on April 16, 1712. He had five sons, including Samuel and Peter, and four daughters.

His son Samuel inherited the Stanmer estate. However, Samuel had to sell it in 1712. This was to pay off £10,000 in debts that his brother Peter had from his role as receiver-general.