Reynolds Calthorpe facts for kids

Reynolds Calthorpe (born August 12, 1655, in Ampton – died 1719) was an important person in British politics. He was a Whig and served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Hindon. An MP is like a representative who helps make laws for the country.

Reynolds was the youngest of three sons born to Sir James Calthorpe and Dorothy Reynolds. His mother's brother was Sir John Reynolds. Reynolds Calthorpe was buried in Elvetham, where a special memorial was made for him by the sculptor James Hardy.

Reynolds Calthorpe's Political Career

Reynolds Calthorpe was a Member of Parliament for Hindon for many years. He represented the area during the time of King William and Queen Mary, and later during Queen Anne's reign. He also served in the first Parliaments of Great Britain.

Being an MP meant he helped make decisions and laws for the country. Besides being an MP, he also held the important local job of High Sheriff of Suffolk. A High Sheriff was responsible for keeping law and order in their county.

Reynolds Calthorpe's Family Life

Reynolds Calthorpe was married twice. His first wife was his cousin, Priscilla Reynolds. They got married at Westminster Abbey on April 11, 1681. Priscilla passed away in 1709.

They had one son, also named Reynolds. This younger Reynolds also became a Member of Parliament for Hindon. Sadly, he died in 1714 without getting married.

In 1715, Reynolds Calthorpe married his second wife, Barbara Yelverton. She was the eldest daughter of Henry Yelverton, who was a Viscount and a Baron. Barbara's mother, Barbara Talbot, lived to be 98 years old!

Reynolds and Barbara had two children: a son named Henry and a daughter named Barbara.

Henry Calthorpe: A Knight and MP

Their son, Henry (born around 1717 – died 1788), also became a Member of Parliament for Hindon. He was even made a Knight of the Bath, which is a special honor given by the King or Queen.

Henry never married, and when he passed away, the direct male line of the Calthorpe family ended.

The Calthorpe Legacy Continues

After Henry's death, the family's properties and legacy passed to his only sister, Barbara Calthorpe (born around 1716 – died 1782). In 1741, Barbara married Sir Henry Gough. Sir Henry was also a Member of Parliament.

Barbara and Sir Henry had six children. Their oldest son, also named Henry, took on the Calthorpe name and family crest after his uncle Henry Calthorpe died. This Henry was later given the title of Baron Calthorpe in 1796. This meant he became a Lord, and the family's important name continued.