Richard Hampden (died 1728) facts for kids
Richard Hampden was an important English politician. He lived from after 1674 until 1728. He came from Great Hampden, a place in Buckinghamshire, England. Richard was a Whig politician. He served in the House of Commons for many years. This was almost continuously from 1701 to 1728.
Richard Hampden's Early Life
Richard Hampden was the oldest son of John Hampden. His mother was Sarah Foley. Richard was the great-grandson of another famous John Hampden. That John Hampden was known for protesting a tax called "Ship money".
In 1696, Richard took over his father's estate. This included the family home, Hampden House. He studied in Utrecht in 1699. In 1701, he married his cousin, Isabella Ellys.
Richard Hampden's Political Career
Richard Hampden became a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the House of Commons. This is where laws are made.
He was first elected for Wendover. He won without anyone running against him in 1701. He won again in 1703 and 1705.
In 1708, he was elected for Buckinghamshire. He faced no opponents that time. However, he lost elections in 1710 and 1713.
In 1710, he was offered a job on the Treasury Commission. This group helped manage the country's money. But he turned it down. He then disagreed with Queen Anne. He advised her not to close Parliament. The Queen replied that she had offered him a job, but not asked for his advice.
Richard Hampden was elected again in 1711 for Berwick-on-Tweed. He also won that seat in 1713.
Later Career and Challenges
In 1715, Richard Hampden was elected for Buckinghamshire again. He had no opponents. In 1716, he got a new job. He became a Teller of the Exchequer. This was another role in managing government money.
In 1718, he joined the Privy Council. This was a group of important advisors to the King. He was also made Treasurer of the Navy. This meant he was in charge of the navy's money.
In 1719, he helped start the Royal Academy of Music. This company created an opera group in London. They hired famous composers like Handel to write music.
In 1720, Richard Hampden invested in a company. It was called the South Sea Company. This company's stock prices went up very quickly. Then, they suddenly crashed. This event was called the South Sea Bubble. Richard Hampden lost a lot of money, about £90,000. Because of these losses, he was removed from his job as Treasurer of the Navy.
Even after this, he continued his political career. He was elected MP for Wendover in 1722. In 1727, he was elected for Wendover without opposition. He was also elected for Buckinghamshire without knowing it. He chose to represent Buckinghamshire.
Richard Hampden passed away on July 27, 1728.
