Robert Pigott facts for kids
Robert Pigott (1665–1746) was an important English landowner and politician. He owned land in places like Chetwynd in Shropshire and Chesterton, Huntingdonshire. He was a member of the Whig political party and served in the House of Commons (which is like a part of the government) for many years between 1713 and 1741.
Early Life and Family
Robert Pigott was born in 1665 and was baptized on October 24th of that year. He was the oldest son of Walter Pigott of Chetwynd. His mother was Anne Dryden, whose father was Sir John Dryden, 2nd Baronet.
When Robert was just four years old, in 1669, his father passed away. Robert then inherited the family home and lands at Chetwynd.
He went to Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university, when he was 16 years old in 1681. He also studied law at a place called Inner Temple in 1683.
In 1695, Robert Pigott married Frances Ward. Her father was Hon. William Ward.
Political Career
Robert Pigott held several important roles in his local area. From 1696 to 1697, he was the High Sheriff of Shropshire. This was a significant position, like a chief law enforcement officer for the county. He also became a deputy-lieutenant for Shropshire, helping to keep order.
He inherited more land in Huntingdonshire from his uncles, John Dryden in 1708 and Erasmus Dryden in 1710. With all his land and wealth, he was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire from 1709 to 1710.
His wealth and standing made him a good choice for Parliament. In 1713, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Huntingdonshire. He was a Whig, which was one of the main political parties at the time.
While in Parliament, he didn't speak very often, but he did vote on important issues. For example, in 1714, he voted against removing Richard Steele, another MP, from Parliament.
Robert Pigott was re-elected without anyone opposing him in 1715. During this time, he usually voted with the government. He didn't run for election in 1722 or 1727.
However, he was elected again in 1730 after a special election. He wasn't there for a vote on the Excise Bill in 1733. But in 1734, he voted with the government against a bill that wanted to change how often elections happened.
He was elected again without opposition in 1734, with support from a powerful person called the 2nd Duke of Manchester. In 1739, he voted with the government on an agreement with Spain. He did not run for election in 1741.
Later Life and Legacy
Robert Pigott passed away in December 1746. He was buried in Chetwynd. He left behind a lot of land in five different counties: Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Northamptonshire, Shropshire, and Warwickshire. He also had a large amount of personal wealth, over £17,000.
His oldest son, who was also named Robert, later tried to become an MP for Shrewsbury but was not successful. The family's lands were eventually sold by his grandson, who was also named Robert Pigott. This grandson was known for his strong political views and later moved to France.
