Sir Horace Mann, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Horace Mann (born August 8, 1706 – died November 6, 1786) was an important British diplomat. He lived in Florence, Italy, for a very long time, representing Great Britain there. He was also known as the 1st Baronet and was a Knight of the Bath (KB).
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Sir Horace Mann: A British Diplomat
Sir Horace Mann was born in London. His father, Robert Mann, was a successful merchant. Horace went to famous schools like Eton College and Clare College, Cambridge. He wasn't very healthy, so he traveled around Europe in the 1730s.
Serving Britain in Florence
In 1737, Horace Mann became a secretary to the British Minister in Florence. Soon after, he became the main British representative there. He worked in Florence for the rest of his life, which was a very long time!
His job was to represent Great Britain to the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, who ruled Florence. Over the years, his title changed. He was a Chargé d'affaires, then a Minister, and later an Envoy Extraordinary. Finally, he became an Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. These titles all mean he was a high-ranking diplomat.
Since Britain didn't have a diplomat in Rome, Mann also had to keep an eye on the Stuart family. These were people who believed they should be the kings of Britain, even though they lived in exile.
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A Host to British Visitors
Sir Horace Mann was known for being very kind and generous. He often welcomed British visitors to his home, Palazzo Manetti, in Florence. He would invite them for friendly chats, especially when there were no plays or shows at the theater.
He was good friends with the painter Thomas Patch. Mann also became friends with Horace Walpole in 1739. Walpole was a distant relative. They wrote many letters to each other for over forty years. These letters are now very famous and tell us a lot about life back then.
Honors and Legacy
Because of his long and important service, Horace Mann received special honors. In 1755, he was made a Baronet. This is a special title that can be passed down in a family. In 1768, he became a Knight of the Bath.
In 1775, his older brother passed away. Horace Mann then inherited a large estate called Linton Park in Kent, England.
Sir Horace Mann never married. He died in Florence in 1786. He was buried in Linton, England. His nephew, also named Horace, inherited his Baronet title. His nephew also took over his diplomatic duties for a short time.
