Ralph Freman (1666–1742) facts for kids
Ralph Freman (born 1666, died 1742) was an important English politician. He lived at Aspenden Hall and Hamels in a place called Hertfordshire. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for 30 years, from 1697 to 1727. He served in both the English and British Parliaments.
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Ralph Freman's Early Life
Ralph Freman was the oldest son of Ralph Freman, who was also a Member of Parliament. His mother was Elizabeth Aubrey. He received his education at home from private teachers. From about 1678 to 1684, he traveled abroad. He visited countries like Holland, France, and Italy. In 1700, he married Elizabeth Catesby. She brought a good amount of money, £4,000, into the marriage.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
Ralph Freman was first chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Hertfordshire. This happened in a special election on December 30, 1697. He was elected again in the general election of 1698. He was very active in politics. He worked hard to keep his position in his local area. He also spoke and took part in many discussions in the House of Commons. He was especially good at solving problems about elections.
He won his elections easily in 1701 and 1702. He then won more elections in 1705 and 1708. In 1710, he was elected without anyone running against him. From 1710 to 1713, he was in charge of a special group called the Committee of Privileges and Elections. He was elected again without a fight in 1713. In 1714, his father passed away, and Ralph Freman took over his family's property.
His Political Career Continues
Ralph Freman was re-elected as an MP for Hertfordshire in 1715. He was a member of the Tory party. The Tories were one of the main political groups at the time. He supported the Hanoverian succession, which meant he supported the new royal family that came from Hanover. It is said that he was offered a job on the Admiralty Board, which manages the navy, but he turned it down.
He was re-elected in 1722. However, in the 1727 election, he lost to his brother-in-law, Charles Caesar. After this, Ralph Freman worked with the Whigs, another political group. He helped William Plumer win the next election against Charles Caesar.
Later Life and Hamels Mansion
In 1713, Ralph Freman ordered the building of a large house called Hamels mansion. This mansion was in Braughing, Hertfordshire. He passed away on June 8, 1742, when he was 76 years old. He had three sons.
