Ralph Verney, 2nd Earl Verney facts for kids
Ralph Verney, 2nd Earl Verney (born February 1, 1714 – died March 31, 1791) was an important British politician and a member of the famous Verney family of Middle Claydon. He was also a member of the Privy Council and a Fellow of the Royal Society.
From 1737 until 1752, he was known as Lord Fermanagh. After 1752, he became an Earl. He served in the House of Commons (a part of the British Parliament) many times between 1753 and 1791.
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Who Was Ralph Verney?
Ralph Verney was born on February 1, 1714. His father was Ralph Verney, 1st Earl Verney, the first Earl Verney, who lived at Claydon House in Buckinghamshire. His mother was Catherine Paschall from Essex.
In 1740, Ralph Verney married Mary Herring. Her father was a director of the Bank of England. Ralph and Mary did not have any children. Mary died on January 22, 1791, and Ralph died shortly after on March 31, 1791. Both were buried in the family burial place at Middle Claydon church.
When Ralph Verney died, he had spent a lot of money, leaving many debts. Since he had no children, his special titles, like "Earl Verney," ended with him. His family estates were passed on to his niece, Mary Verney. She was the daughter of his older brother, John, who had died earlier. Later, in 1792, Mary was given her own title, Baroness Fermanagh.
His Time in Politics
Ralph Verney became the Earl Verney in 1752, after his father passed away. However, this title was an Irish peerage. This meant it did not give him a seat in the House of Lords in Britain. But it did allow him to sit in the Irish House of Lords.
He chose to be elected to the House of Commons instead. He first represented Wendover in 1753 and held that seat until 1761. He then represented Carmarthen from 1761 to 1768. After that, he represented Buckinghamshire from 1768 to 1784, and again from 1790 until his death in 1791.
On November 22, 1765, he was made a member of the Privy Council. This is a group of important advisors to the King or Queen. In 1758, he was also chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a special group for people who have done great things in science.
What is the House of Commons?
The House of Commons is a very important part of the British Parliament. It is where elected representatives, called Members of Parliament (MPs), meet to discuss and make laws for the country. People vote for these MPs to represent them.
What is the Privy Council?
The Privy Council is a group of senior advisors to the British monarch (the King or Queen). Its members are usually important politicians, judges, and religious leaders. They advise the monarch on official matters and help with certain government duties.
Claydon House: His Grand Home
Ralph Verney spent many years rebuilding Claydon House in Buckinghamshire. This work took place between 1757 and 1771. The house you see today is only the west wing. Originally, it was much larger. It had an identical east wing connected by a round building with columns, topped by a dome.
Building such a grand house was very expensive. The costs went over budget. Because of these high expenses, Lord Verney had to live outside of Britain for the last years of his life. This was to avoid the people he owed money to for the building work.
