Robert Spencer, 1st Viscount Teviot facts for kids
Robert Spencer, 1st Viscount Teviot (born 1629 – died 1694) was an important English politician. He was part of the famous Spencer family. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, from 1660 to 1679. Later, he was given the special title of Viscount Teviot.
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Early Life and Education
Robert Spencer was born in 1629 at Althorp, a large estate. His father was William Spencer, 2nd Baron Spencer of Wormleighton. His mother was Lady Penelope Wriothesley. Robert had an older brother named Henry Spencer, 1st Earl of Sunderland.
He went to college at Christ Church, Oxford and King's College, Cambridge. In 1648, he traveled through France and Italy. During this trip, he also studied at the University of Padua. He returned to England in 1651. Later, in 1669, he earned a special degree called Doctor of Civil Law from Oxford.
A Career in Politics
Robert Spencer became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1660. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the House of Commons. He first represented the area of Great Bedwyn.
In 1661, he was elected again, this time for Brackley. He continued to serve as an MP until 1679.
Other Important Roles
Besides being an MP, Robert Spencer held several other jobs for the government:
- He helped collect taxes in Northamptonshire and Middlesex. This was from 1661 to 1674.
- He was a commissioner for excise appeals from 1663 to 1689. This meant he helped with decisions about certain types of taxes.
- From 1670 to 1677, he helped manage the taxes on sugar from Barbados.
- He also served as a commissioner of the Privy Seal from 1685 to 1687. This was a high-ranking position in the government.
Becoming a Viscount
On October 10, 1685, Robert Spencer was given a special title. He became Viscount Teviot in the Peerage of Scotland. A Viscount is a noble title, ranking below an Earl but above a Baron. This was a great honor for his service.
Family Life
Robert Spencer married Jane Browne. They had several children:
- Elizabeth Long (born Spencer)
- Ann Rowland (born Spencer)
- James Henry Spencer
- Mary Spriggs (born Spencer)
