Robert Clarges facts for kids

Robert Clarges was an English politician who lived from around 1693 until before 1727. He was a member of the Tory party and served as a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is someone elected to represent a group of people in the country's main law-making body.

Early Life and Education

Robert Clarges was the third son of Sir Walter Clarges, 1st Baronet. His mother was Elizabeth, who was the daughter of Sir Sir Thomas Gould, a important official known as the Sheriff of London. Robert went to school at St Paul's School, London and later studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, which is a famous university.

When Robert's father passed away in 1706, Robert was still a minor, meaning he was not yet old enough to legally manage his own property. Because of this, his inheritance, which included a place called Stoke Poges Rectory Manor, was held in trust for him until he became an adult.

Political Career

Robert Clarges was elected as a Member of Parliament for the area of Reading. He served in this role from 1713 until May 30, 1716.

Even though he was known as a Tory, some people thought he might sometimes vote with the Whig party. The Tories and Whigs were the two main political groups in Britain at that time, similar to different political parties today.

Clarges voted against a law called the Septennial Act 1716. This act changed how often elections were held, making them happen every seven years instead of every three. On May 30, 1716, his election was declared void, which means it was cancelled and he was no longer an MP.

Later Life and Legacy

Robert Clarges never married. He passed away sometime before April 1727. His mother's will, written in April 1727, did not mention him, which suggests he had already died by then.

After his death, his mother and his older brother managed his property. The Stoke Poges Rectory Manor, which he had inherited, then passed to his brother, George.