Sir John Dineley-Goodere, 5th Baronet facts for kids
Sir John Dineley-Goodere, 5th Baronet (1729–1809) was an interesting English gentleman known for his very unusual habits. He was a baronet, which is a special title in the British system, similar to a knight but passed down through families.
Contents
Early Life and Family History
Sir John was one of twin sons born to Samuel Goodere and Elizabeth Watts. His father, Samuel Goodere, was an officer in the British Royal Navy. Sir John's older twin brother, Edward, inherited the baronet title first. However, Edward became unwell and passed away in 1761 at the age of 32, without having married.
Becoming a Baronet
After his brother Edward's death, John became the next Baronet. He inherited what was left of his family's land and money. However, he quickly used up these resources. Around 1770, he sold his family estate called Burhope in Herefordshire. For a while, he lived in very difficult financial conditions.
A New Home in Windsor
Luckily, Sir John had friends in high places, like the Pelham family and Lord North. They helped him get a special pension and a place to live as a "poor knight of Windsor." This was a position for retired military officers or gentlemen who needed support. From then on, he mostly used the surname Dineley.
Sir John's Unusual Lifestyle
Sir John became quite famous in Windsor, Berkshire because of his very unique way of dressing and behaving. He was one of the main sights people would come to see!
Daily Routines
Every morning, Sir John would lock up his house inside Windsor Castle. No one else was allowed inside his home. He would then go out to buy his food and other supplies.
Looking for a Wife
Sir John was well-known for his unusual ways of trying to find a wife. He would even print his own marriage proposals in a very simple style. Sometimes, he would advertise for wives in newspapers. He also printed some very strange poems with titles like "Methods to get Husbands." These poems sometimes included his own marriage offer to any single lady who read them and had a certain amount of money. A copy of one of these unique writings is kept in the British Museum.
Public Appearances
Even though he had some very odd habits, people who knew Sir John said he was still smart and sensible in other ways. A few times a year, he would visit popular places like Vauxhall and the theatres. He made sure to let the public know he was coming through the most popular newspapers of the day. Wherever he went, many people would show up, especially women, to see him. Sir John continued trying to find a wife throughout his life, but he never succeeded.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir John Dineley-Goodere passed away in Windsor in November 1809. He was about 80 years old. When he died, the special title of Baronet in his family came to an end because he had no children to pass it on to.
