Robert Sutton (diplomat) facts for kids
Sir Robert Sutton (born in 1671, died on August 13, 1746) was an important English diplomat and politician. He worked for his country in different parts of the world. Later, he became a member of the British Parliament, which is like a government assembly, from 1722 to 1741.
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Early Life and Family
Robert Sutton was born in England. His father was also named Robert Sutton, and they lived in a place called Averham in Nottinghamshire. His mother was Katherine. Robert Sutton went to Trinity College, Oxford, in 1688 to study. Later, he also studied law at the Middle Temple in 1691. He was the great-nephew of the 1st Baron Lexinton, a noble title.
A Career as a Diplomat
Robert Sutton started his career by becoming a chaplain, which is like a religious leader, to his cousin, Robert Sutton, 2nd Baron Lexinton. His cousin was the English Ambassador in Vienna, Austria, in 1694.
In 1697, Robert Sutton became the secretary for the British team in Vienna. When his cousin left, Robert Sutton took over as the English representative there. His cousin then helped him get a big job: becoming the English ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. This was a powerful empire located in what is now Turkey. He arrived in Adrianople in 1702.
Sutton asked to leave this job in 1715. He stayed until 1717, then traveled to Vienna. After that, he helped to make peace between Austria and the Ottoman Empire at a meeting in 1718. His last job as a diplomat was as ambassador to France in 1720. He returned to England the next year. When he came back, he bought large properties in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
The Famous Horse
While he was in Constantinople in 1704, Robert Sutton bought a special grey Arabian horse. He also bought other Arabian horses. He had this horse shipped all the way to England. This particular horse is believed to be the ancestor of all grey Thoroughbred horses today. Thoroughbreds are a famous breed of racehorses.
Politician and Business
After earning a lot of money as a diplomat, Robert Sutton became a politician. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Nottinghamshire in 1722. He was part of the Whig political party. In 1722, he also became a member of the Privy Council. This was a group of important advisors to the King.
In 1725, he joined a committee for a company called the Charitable Corporation. He was involved in some business dealings with this company. Later, in 1732, he had to leave the House of Commons because of issues related to the company's finances. He was also a leader for the Royal Africa Company starting in 1726. Even after leaving Parliament, he was elected again in 1734 for Great Grimsby.
Family Life
Robert Sutton married Judith Tichborne. She was the daughter of Sir Benjamin Tichborne. Judith was also the widow of Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland. Robert and Judith had children, including a son named Sir Richard Sutton, who later became a Baronet. Another son, Robert Sutton, passed away before his father in 1743.
See also
- List of Ambassadors from the United Kingdom to the Ottoman Empire
- Sutton Baronets
