Samuel Charles Whitbread facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Charles Whitbread
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Samual Charles Whitbread, engraving by Ward after painting by Henry William Pickersgill, 1820.
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| Born | 16 February 1796 London, England
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| Died | 27 May 1879 (aged 83) |
| Alma mater | St John's College, Cambridge |
| Occupation | Businessman, politician, and amateur meteorologist and astronomer |
| Children | 3 daughters, 2 sons, including Samuel Whitbread (1830–1915) |
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Samuel Charles Whitbread (born February 16, 1796 – died May 27, 1879) was an important British figure. He was a Member of Parliament, part of the famous Whitbread brewing family, and helped start the Royal Meteorological Society.
Contents
Samuel Whitbread's Early Life and Education
Samuel Charles Whitbread was born in London, England. His father was also named Samuel Whitbread. His mother was Lady Elizabeth Grey. Lady Elizabeth's father was General Charles Grey. Her brother, Charles Grey, later became a Prime Minister.
School Days and Learning
Samuel went to two well-known schools. First, he attended Eton College. After that, he studied at St John's College, Cambridge. There, he focused on subjects like mathematics, moral philosophy, and classical studies.
Taking Over the Family Business
In 1815, when Samuel was 19, his father passed away. Samuel and his older brother, William Henry, then took charge of the family's brewing business. They also inherited the family estates.
Samuel Whitbread's Political Career
Samuel Whitbread was a Whig politician. The Whigs were a major political group in Britain at the time. He served as a Member of Parliament for ten years.
Representing Middlesex
From 1820 to 1830, Samuel represented the area of Middlesex in Parliament. In 1831, he also held the important local role of High Sheriff of Bedfordshire.
Speaking Up in Parliament
Samuel spoke out on important issues. He was especially active in debates about reforming Parliament. He believed that certain old practices, like "rotten boroughs" (areas with very few voters but still a Member of Parliament), were unfair. He also opposed the idea of selling seats in the House of Commons.
His Love for Science: Weather and Stars
Samuel Whitbread had a great passion for science. He was very interested in both meteorology (the study of weather) and astronomy (the study of stars and space).
Starting the Royal Meteorological Society
Samuel helped create the Royal Meteorological Society. This important group studies the weather. He was its first president, serving from 1850 to 1853. He stayed involved with the society for many years. He was a member of its Council until 1873 and often served as vice-president.
Joining the Royal Astronomical Society
In 1849, Samuel also joined the Royal Astronomical Society. This society focuses on astronomy. He was the treasurer for this group for many years, from 1857 to 1878. He was known for being very good at managing the society's money, using his experience from running his family's business. He also wrote articles for the society's publication, Monthly Notices.
Building an Observatory and Tracking Weather
In the early 1840s, Samuel built his own observatory. It was located on his family's estate. With help from his gardeners, he carefully watched the stars and the weather.
Detailed Weather Records
In 1873, he shared his detailed observations with the Met Office. This office studies weather. His records included daily readings of the barometer (which measures air pressure), temperature, and wind strength. He also wrote down notes about both weather and space events. These valuable records are still kept today in the National Meteorological Archive.
Samuel Whitbread's Family Life
Samuel Whitbread lived at his family's large home, Southill Park, and also in London. When his older brother, William Henry, passed away in 1867 without children, Samuel inherited the family business and estates.
His Marriages and Children
Samuel married the Hon. Julia Trevor in 1824. She was the daughter of Henry Trevor, 21st Baron Dacre. After she passed away in 1858, he married Lady Mary Stephenson Keppel. She was the daughter of the fourth Earl of Albemarle.
Samuel and Julia had several children. Their eldest son was also named Samuel Whitbread. Their daughter, Juliana, married Thomas Coke, 2nd Earl of Leicester. Samuel Charles Whitbread passed away on May 27, 1879.
Images for kids
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Samual Charles Whitbread, engraving by Ward after painting by Henry William Pickersgill, 1820.
