Roger Newdigate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Roger Newdigate
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Sir Roger Newdigate in the Library at Arbury by Arthur Devis
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| Member of Parliament for Oxford University |
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| In office 1751–1780 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Hyde |
| Succeeded by | William Dolben |
| Member of Parliament for Middlesex |
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| In office 1742–1747 |
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| Preceded by | William Pulteney |
| Succeeded by | William Beauchamp-Proctor |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Roger Newdigate
30 May 1719 Arbury, Warwickshire, England |
| Died | 23 November 1806 (aged 87) Arbury, Warwickshire, England |
| Political party | Tory |
| Spouses |
Sophia Conyers
(m. 1743; died 1774)Hester Mundy
(m. 1776; died 1800) |
| Residence | Arbury Hall |
| Alma mater | University College, Oxford |
| Profession | Politician, architect |
Sir Roger Newdigate, 5th Baronet (born May 30, 1719 – died November 23, 1806) was an important English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament, for many years. Sir Roger was also known for collecting old and interesting items, called antiquities.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Roger Newdigate was born in a place called Arbury in England. His father was Sir Richard Newdigate. Roger became the 5th Baronet and inherited the family estates, including Arbury Hall, when his brother passed away early in 1734.
He went to Westminster School and then to University College, Oxford. He studied there from 1736 and finished his degree in 1738. Sir Roger gave a lot of support to Oxford University throughout his life.
He is especially remembered for starting the Newdigate Prize for poetry. This prize, created after his death, has helped many famous writers get their start. He also gave many of his antique collections to the university.
Political Career and Public Service
Sir Roger Newdigate was a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the House of Commons.
From 1742 to 1747, he was the MP for Middlesex. Later, in 1751, he became the MP for Oxford University. He held this position for a long time, serving for 30 years until 1780.
Arbury Hall: A Grand Transformation
Sir Roger spent a lot of time and effort on his family home, Arbury Hall. This grand house was originally built in the Elizabethan style.
Over 30 years, he rebuilt and decorated Arbury Hall in a beautiful Gothic style. He worked with an architect named Henry Couchman to create its amazing look.
Family Life and Legacy
Sir Roger Newdigate was married twice. His first wife was Sophia Conyers, whom he married in 1743. After her death, he married Hesther Margaret Munday in 1776.
He did not have any children. When he passed away in 1806, his title of Baronet ended. Arbury Hall and his other estate, Harefield, went to a distant cousin named Francis Parker. Francis Parker later added "Newdigate" to his name and moved into Arbury Hall.
Sir Roger was even featured in a book! The famous author George Eliot wrote about him in her book Scenes of Clerical Life. In the story, he appears as a character named Sir Christopher Cheverel.
