Sir Godfrey Webster, 4th Baronet facts for kids
Sir Godfrey Webster, 4th Baronet (born December 25, 1747 – died June 3, 1800) was an English politician. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family. Sir Godfrey also used the last name Vassall for a few years between 1795 and 1797.
Contents
Sir Godfrey Webster's Life Story
Sir Godfrey Webster was the son of Sir Godfrey Webster, 3rd Baronet, and Elizabeth Cooper. His family lived in Lockington, Derbyshire. He was also the nephew of Sir Whistler Webster, 2nd Baronet.
Joining Politics
In January 1780, Sir Godfrey Webster became part of a committee in Sussex. This group supported the Yorkshire Association, which was working to make government fairer. In 1783, he continued to push for changes at a meeting in Sussex.
In 1786, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Seaford. An MP is a person elected to represent people in the country's parliament. He had support from a powerful family called the Pelham interest. He tried to be elected again in 1790 but lost. However, he returned to Parliament in 1796, this time representing Wareham.
Family and Inheritance
Sir Godfrey became the 4th Baronet in 1780 after his uncle and then his father passed away. He also inherited Battle Abbey and its lands. However, his aunt still lived there, so he couldn't move in right away.
In 1786, Sir Godfrey Webster was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists and thinkers.
Sir Godfrey Webster's Family
In 1786, Sir Godfrey married Elizabeth Vassall. She was the daughter of Richard Vassall from Jamaica. Their marriage faced many challenges and eventually ended.
Sir Godfrey and Elizabeth had three children who lived to adulthood:
- Godfrey Vassall Webster, who became the 5th Baronet.
- Henry Vassall Webster.
- Harriet Frances Webster, who later married Fleetwood Pellew.
