Richard Newport, 2nd Earl of Bradford facts for kids
Richard Newport, 2nd Earl of Bradford (born 3 September 1644 – died 14 June 1723) was an important English politician. He was a member of the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the King or Queen. He was also a member of the Whig Party, which was one of the main political groups in England at the time.
Richard Newport was known by different titles during his life. From 1651 to 1694, he was called The Honourable. Later, until 1708, he was known as Viscount Newport. Finally, he became the 2nd Earl of Bradford.
Early Life and Education
Richard Newport was the oldest son of Francis Newport, 1st Earl of Bradford. His mother was Lady Diana Russell. She was the fourth daughter of Francis Russell, 4th Earl of Bedford. Richard also had a younger brother named Thomas Newport, 1st Baron Torrington.
In 1708, Richard took over his father's title as Earl. He studied at Christ Church, Oxford, which is a famous university. He earned a Master of Arts degree there.
Political Career
Richard Newport started his political career in 1670. He became a member of the English House of Commons, which is part of the English Parliament. He represented the area of Shropshire in Parliament until 1685. He then represented Shropshire again from 1689 to 1698.
He held several important jobs in Shropshire. In 1704, he became the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire. This role meant he was the King's representative in the county. In 1708, he also became the Custos Rotulorum of Shropshire. This job involved keeping the county's records. He held both these positions until 1712. He was then reappointed to these roles in 1714 and served until he died in 1723.
During his later years, Richard Newport was also the Custos Rotulorum of Montgomeryshire. He had held this position before, from 1701 to 1711. A year before that, he had been sworn into the Privy Council of Great Britain.
Family Life
Lord Bradford passed away in Soho Square, London, when he was 78 years old. He was buried in Wroxeter.
On 20 April 1681, he married Mary Wilbraham. She was the younger daughter of Sir Thomas Wilbraham, 3rd Baronet. Richard and Mary had eight children together: four daughters and four sons.
His oldest son, Henry, took over his titles after him. Later, his third son, Thomas, also became Earl. Richard's second son, Richard, was also a Member of Parliament but he died before his father.
Two of his daughters also married important people. His second daughter, Anne, married Sir Orlando Bridgeman, 4th Baronet. His third daughter, Diane, married Algernon Coote, 6th Earl of Mountrath.
