Robert Furnese facts for kids

Sir Robert Furnese, 2nd Baronet (born August 1, 1687 – died March 7, 1733) was an important English politician. He lived in Waldershare, Kent, and also in Dover Street, Westminster. Sir Robert was a member of the Whig political party and served in the British Parliament from 1708 until his death in 1733.

Early Life and Family

Robert Furnese was the son of Sir Henry Furnese, who was the 1st Baronet. His mother was Anne Brough. Robert went to a famous school called Eton College in 1697. When he was a young man, he traveled and spent some time in Germany and Austria.

Starting His Political Career

Sir Robert Furnese was abroad when the 1708 British general election happened. But soon after he came back to England, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Truro. This happened in a special election on December 16, 1708, and he was the only candidate, so he won easily.

In 1710, he voted to remove Dr. Sacheverell from his position. Later that year, for the 1710 British general election, he became an MP for New Romney. He won this election even though there were other candidates. He also became a Justice of the Peace for Kent, which meant he helped keep law and order in the area. On December 7, 1711, he voted for a motion called "No Peace Without Spain".

Becoming a Baronet and Later Politics

On November 30, 1712, Robert's father passed away. Robert then became the 2nd Baronet, inheriting his father's title and a large estate in Waldershare, Kent.

For the 1713 British general election, he was again elected unopposed for New Romney. He voted against removing Richard Steele from Parliament on March 18, 1714.

In the 1715 British general election, Sir Robert was re-elected as a Whig MP for New Romney. He supported the "septennial bill," which changed how often elections were held. In 1717, he joined Robert Walpole in opposing the government. He voted against the government on an issue involving Lord Cadogan in June 1717. He also opposed the Peerage Bill in 1719, which was a plan to change the House of Lords.

For the 1722 British general election, he was elected unopposed for New Romney. In the 1727 British general election, he became an MP for Kent. He had also tried to win in New Romney but lost there. However, after a review, he was given the New Romney seat, but he chose to remain the MP for Kent. From 1729 onwards, he often voted against the government's plans.

Sir Robert's Marriages and Children

Sir Robert Furnese was married three times during his life.

First Marriage

His first wife was Anne Balam (1688-1713). She was his stepsister, meaning her mother was his father's second wife. They married on October 1, 1708. They had one daughter named Anne. Anne later married John St John, who was the son of Henry St John, 1st Viscount St John. Sadly, Anne, Lady Furnese, passed away on May 29, 1713, when she was only 25 years old.

Second Marriage

Sir Robert's second marriage was on July 8, 1714, to Arabella Watson. She was the daughter of Lewis Watson, 1st Earl of Rockingham. Arabella and Sir Robert had one son, Henry, and a second daughter, Catherine. Catherine later married her cousin, Lewis Watson, 2nd Earl of Rockingham. Arabella passed away on September 5, 1727.

Third Marriage

His third marriage took place on May 15, 1729, in Teddington, Middlesex. He married Lady Anne Shirley, who was the daughter of Robert Shirley, 1st Earl Ferrers. With Lady Anne, he had a daughter named Selina, who married Edward Dering. They also had another daughter who died before her father.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Robert Furnese passed away on March 7, 1733, at Waldershare, Kent. He was buried there on March 14. His son, Henry, inherited his title. Sir Robert's wife, Lady Anne, lived for many more years, passing away in Dover Street, London, on February 25, 1779, at the age of 70. She was buried in Grosvenor Chapel, Westminster.

His only son, Sir Henry Furnese, became the 3rd Baronet. He was born around 1716 and went to Christ Church, Oxford, in November 1732 when he was 16. Sadly, Sir Henry died young, at 19 years old, in Montpellier, France, in March 1735. He was not married and had no children. Because of this, the title of Baronet ended. Sir Robert's estate was then shared among his three surviving daughters: Anne, Catherine (who was the Countess of Rockingham), and Selina.

Images for kids

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  Monument over the Furnese family vault, All Saints' Church, Waldershare