Simon Harcourt (1684–1720) facts for kids
Simon Harcourt was an English politician. He was born on October 9, 1684, and passed away on July 1, 1720. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, from 1710 to 1715.
Simon Harcourt's Early Life and Education
Simon Harcourt was the oldest son of Simon Harcourt, 1st Viscount Harcourt. His mother was Rebecca Clarke. Sadly, his mother and older brother died when he was young. This meant Simon became the next in line to inherit his father's title, the Viscountcy. His father had high hopes for him.
Simon went to Eton College in 1698. Later, in 1701, he joined Inner Temple to study law. He also started studying at Christ Church, Oxford on November 3, 1702. In 1706, he traveled to Italy. While there, he attended Padua University. By 1710, he had finished his law studies and became a lawyer.
His Time in Parliament
Simon Harcourt was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Wallingford. This happened during the general election in 1710. For much of 1713, he was out of the country. He was likely traveling for his health. Because of this, he missed the election campaign that year.
His father wanted him to run for several areas. These included Oxfordshire and Oxford University. Simon had earned his Master of Arts degree from Oxford the year before. He also ran for Wallingford and Abingdon. He only won the election in Abingdon, where no one ran against him. However, he lost his seat in the 1715 election.
Later Life and Family
Simon Harcourt continued to have poor health. He traveled to places in Wales and abroad to try and get better. He passed away in Paris on July 1, 1720. He was buried at Stanton Harcourt.
On July 21, 1709, Simon Harcourt married Elizabeth Evelyn. She was the daughter of John Evelyn. Elizabeth was also the sister of his friend from Eton, Sir John Evelyn. Simon and Elizabeth had one son and two daughters who lived to adulthood. His son later became the 2nd Viscount in 1727. In 1749, his son was given the title of Earl Harcourt. One of Simon's daughters, Martha, married George Venables-Vernon, 1st Baron Vernon.
