Robert Marsham, 2nd Baron Romney facts for kids
Robert Marsham, 2nd Baron Romney (born August 22, 1712 – died November 16, 1793) was an important British nobleman. He was known for supporting arts and sciences.
Robert Marsham was the son of Robert Marsham, 1st Baron Romney and Elizabeth Shovell. His mother was the daughter of Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell. Robert went to Christ Church, Oxford university. He started there in 1731 when he was 18. He earned a special law degree in 1733.
Robert Marsham: A Life of Service
Lord Romney was a founding member of a group called the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. This group later became the Royal Society of Arts. Its goal was to support new ideas and inventions. In 1758, he was chosen as the First Vice-President of this Society. After Lord Folkestone passed away in 1761, Lord Romney became President. He was re-elected every year until he died in 1793.
He also joined other important groups. In 1757, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group for top scientists. In 1759, he became a Colonel in the West Kent Militia. A militia is like a local army. From 1756 to 1793, he was President of The Marine Society. This group helped sailors. In 1762, he became a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. This society studies history and old things.
Robert Marsham passed away on November 16, 1793. He was buried in All Saints Church, Maidstone.
His Family Life
On July 29, 1742, Lord Romney married Priscilla Pym (1724–1771). She was the daughter of Charles Pym from Saint Kitts. Lord Romney inherited large estates in Saint Kitts from her family. They had ten children together:
- Hon. Robert Pym Marsham (1743–1762)
- Hon. Charles Marsham (1744–1811), who became the 3rd Baron Romney. He was later made the 1st Earl of Romney in 1801.
- Hon. John Marsham (born 1748, died young)
- Hon. Priscilla Marsham (1745/1750–1804)
- Hon. Elizabeth Marsham (1751–1828)
- Hon. Frances Marsham (1755–1821)
- Hon. Shovel [or Chauvel] Marsham (born 1757, died young)
- Rev. Hon. Jacob Marsham (1759–1840), who became a Canon of Windsor.
- Hon. Harriot Marsham (born 1760, died young)
- Hon. Charlotte Marsham (1761–1794), who married John Coker.
