Simon Harcourt, 1st Earl Harcourt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl Harcourt
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| Lord Lieutenant of Ireland | |
| In office 29 October 1772 – 7 December 1776 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Preceded by | The Viscount Townshend |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Buckinghamshire |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1714 Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire, England |
| Died | 16 September 1777 (aged 63) Nuneham Park, Oxfordshire |
Simon Harcourt, 1st Earl Harcourt (1714 – 16 September 1777), was an important British diplomat and general. He was also known as Viscount Harcourt from 1727 to 1749. Later in his life, he became the Viceroy of Ireland, a top government role.
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Simon Harcourt's Early Life
Simon Harcourt was born in Oxfordshire, England. His father, also named Simon Harcourt, was a Member of Parliament. Sadly, his father passed away in 1720 when Simon was still very young.
Simon went to Westminster School, a famous school in London. In 1727, when he was just 13, he inherited the title of 2nd Viscount Harcourt from his grandfather.
Harcourt's Military Career
In 1745, a major event called the Jacobite Rebellion happened in Britain. This was a conflict where some people tried to put a different king on the throne. Simon Harcourt helped by creating his own army unit, called the 76th Foot (Lord Harcourt's Regiment). He became a colonel, a high-ranking officer, in the army. His regiment was later disbanded in 1746.
Harcourt's Diplomatic Roles
In 1749, Simon Harcourt was given a new, higher title: Earl Harcourt of Stanton Harcourt. This showed his growing importance.
Working for the King
In 1751, he became a special tutor or "governor" to the young Prince of Wales. This prince later became King George III.
After George III became king, Harcourt was sent on a very important mission in 1761. He traveled to Mecklenburg-Strelitz to arrange the marriage between King George and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (Princess Charlotte). He then brought Princess Charlotte safely to England.
Ambassador to France and Ireland
Simon Harcourt held several important jobs at the royal court and in diplomacy. From 1768 to 1772, he served as the British ambassador to Paris, France. This meant he represented Britain's interests in France.
In 1772, he was promoted to the rank of general in the army. In October of the same year, he took on a very important role: Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. This was like being the king's main representative and governor in Ireland. He held this position until 1777.
Challenges in Ireland
As Lord Lieutenant, Harcourt faced some challenges. He suggested a new tax on "absentee landlords." These were landowners who owned property in Ireland but lived somewhere else. This idea was not popular in England, so he had to give it up.
However, he was good at working with political leaders in Ireland who disagreed with the government. He even convinced a famous Irish politician, Henry Flood, to join the government.
Harcourt's Final Years
Simon Harcourt resigned from his role in Ireland in January 1777. He then retired to his home, Nuneham Park.
Sadly, he died shortly after retiring, in September 1777. He accidentally drowned in a well while trying to save his favorite dog, which had fallen in. He managed to save his dog, but he lost his own life.
Simon Harcourt's Family
On 16 October 1735, Simon Harcourt married Rebecca Samborne Le Bass. They had two sons and two daughters:
- George Simon Harcourt, 2nd Earl Harcourt (1736–1809)
- Lady Elizabeth Harcourt (1739–1811)
- Hon. Anne Harcourt (1741–1746)
- William Harcourt, 3rd Earl Harcourt (1743–1830)
When his youngest son, William, passed away without sons, the family titles ended.
