Richard Cresswell (politician) facts for kids

Richard Cresswell (1688–1743) was an English landowner and politician. He was known by the nickname "Black Dick Cresswell." He inherited a lot of land and later became a member of the British Parliament.

Who Was Richard Cresswell?

Richard Cresswell was born in 1688 in England. He came from a family with a long history. His grandfather, also named Richard Cresswell, was a loyal supporter of King Charles I. This loyalty was a trait that Richard Cresswell also shared.

Early Life and Family

Richard Cresswell's father was Richard Cresswell of Sidbury, Shropshire. His mother was Mary Moreton. His grandfather had been a page to King Charles I. Richard Cresswell inherited his family's strong opinions and loyalties.

Becoming a Landowner

In 1708, Richard Cresswell inherited a large amount of land. These estates were in several counties, including Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Herefordshire. In 1709, he married Elizabeth. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Estcourt. Elizabeth also inherited properties, including lands in Wiltshire. These new properties helped Richard Cresswell become an important figure among the landowners in north Wiltshire.

His Time in Politics

In 1710, Richard Cresswell decided to enter politics. He ran as a Tory candidate for the area of Bridgnorth in Shropshire. He won the election and became a member of the House of Commons. This is where laws were made for Great Britain.

However, Richard Cresswell did not make a big impact in Parliament. He is not known to have given any speeches. He was part of a group called the October Club. In 1713, he voted for a bill about trade with France. After this, he was elected to represent Wootton Bassett. But after Queen Anne died, he stopped being involved in Parliament. He likely spent the rest of his life traveling outside of England.

Later Life and Legacy

Richard Cresswell's first wife, Elizabeth, died in 1717. He later married a widow named Roberta.

He faced financial challenges later in his life. In 1714, he had to sell one of his family's properties, the Norton manor. In 1730, he had to mortgage another property, Pinkney Park, for a large sum of money. In his final years, his son, Thomas Estcourt Cresswell, helped manage his estates.

Richard Cresswell died in 1743. He did not leave a will. He had two sons from his first marriage.