Richard Shuttleworth (MP for Lancashire) facts for kids
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Richard Shuttleworth (1683–1749) was an English politician. He represented areas like Lancashire and Yorkshire in the House of Commons. He served as a Member of Parliament for 44 years, from 1705 to 1749. He was part of the Tory political party. However, he sometimes voted against his own party's ideas. This earned him the nickname "Whimsical."
Contents
Early Life and Family
Richard Shuttleworth was born in 1683. His father was Sir Richard Shuttleworth. Richard inherited his family's homes, Gawthorpe Hall and Forcett Hall, in 1687.
Before he became a politician, he traveled. He visited countries like France and Italy. This trip happened between 1703 and 1704. Later, he married Emma Tempest.
Political Career
Becoming a Member of Parliament
Richard Shuttleworth became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1705. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the country's government. He was elected for the area of Lancashire. He was a member of the Tory party.
Working for Lancashire
In Parliament, Richard Shuttleworth worked hard for his local area. He helped with issues important to people in Lancashire. For example, he worked on a bill to stop cheating in the cloth and iron industries. This bill was very important to local weavers.
He tried to get this bill passed in 1707. Even though it didn't become law, people in Lancashire were grateful. He also helped create a new parish in Manchester. He supported a bill for the Liverpool dock.
Voting and Political Groups
Richard Shuttleworth was re-elected several times without opposition. He often voted against the main government. He was part of a group called the October Club. This group was made up of Tory MPs.
Later, he joined a different group called the March Club. This club sometimes supported the government. He voted against a trade deal with France. This showed he didn't always agree with his own party.
Later Years in Parliament
He continued to be elected as an MP. He won elections in 1715, 1722, 1727, 1734, and 1741. He usually voted against the government's plans. In 1736, he gave a speech about a bill concerning gin. From 1748, he was the "Father of the House." This title goes to the MP who has served the longest.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1726, Forcett Hall had a fire. It was rebuilt in a new style in 1740. An architect named Daniel Garrett helped with the design. Richard Shuttleworth and his family moved into Forcett Hall. They rented out Gawthorpe Hall.
Richard Shuttleworth passed away on December 22, 1749. He had five sons and three daughters. His son, James Shuttleworth, also became an MP for Lancashire.
