Richard Edgcumbe (1640–1688) facts for kids
Sir Richard Edgcumbe (born 13 February 1640, died 3 April 1688) was an important English politician. He came from a well-known family in Cornwall. He served in the English Parliament and held many other important jobs during his life. He was also honored by the King.
Early Life and Family
Richard Edgcumbe was the oldest son of Piers Edgcumbe. His family lived at Mount Edgcumbe House and Cotehele in Cornwall. His mother was Mary Glanville.
Richard married Anne Montagu. She was the daughter of Edward Montagu, who was the first Earl of Sandwich. Richard and Anne had two sons and six daughters. Their son, also named Richard, later became Baron Edgcumbe. One of their daughters, Anne, married Henry Pyne, a rich landowner from County Cork.
Richard's wife, Anne, later married Christopher Montagu after Richard's death. She passed away in 1729. Anne's mother, who was much loved by the famous writer Samuel Pepys, spent her final years at Mount Edgcumbe. She is buried there. Samuel Pepys even wrote about visiting Lady Edgcumbe at Mount Edgcumbe in 1679. He described it as "a most beautiful place."
A Career in Politics
Sir Richard Edgcumbe was a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to represent people in the English government. He was a Member of Parliament for Launceston from 1661 to 1679. After that, he represented Cornwall in Parliament from 1679 to 1681.
Important Roles and Honors
In 1661, Richard Edgcumbe was made a Knight of the Order of the Bath (KB). This was a special honor given to him so he could attend the coronation of King Charles II.
He held many other important public jobs. These included:
- Commissioner for Assessment for Cornwall (1663–1680)
- Commissioner for Assessment for Devon (1673–1680)
- Commissioner for Assessment for Hampshire (1679–1680)
- Deputy Governor of Cornwall (1670–1672)
- Assistant Governor of Cornwall (1678 until his death)
- Deputy-Lieutenant of Cornwall (1670 until his death)
- Deputy-Lieutenant of Devon (1676 until his death)
- Commissioner for Recusants for Cornwall (1675)
In 1685, he was the High Sheriff of Cornwall. This was an important local role. He was also a member of the Society of Mines Royal starting in 1669. In 1676, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group for important scientists. However, he was removed from the society in 1685.
Later Life
Sir Richard Edgcumbe passed away when he was 48 years old in 1688. He left behind his two sons and six daughters. His family continued to be important in English society.
