Sir John Elwill, 4th Baronet facts for kids
Sir John Elwill, 4th Baronet (who died on March 1, 1778) was an important English nobleman and politician. He was known for serving in the British Parliament and for building a grand house.
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Early Life and Family
Sir John Elwill was the only son of Sir Edmund Elwill, who was the 3rd Baronet. His mother was Anne Speke. His father, Sir Edmund, inherited the title of Baronet from his older brother, Sir John Elwill, 2nd Baronet, who passed away without children on September 10, 1727.
A Baronet is a special title in Britain, like a knight, but it can be passed down through the family. Sir Edmund Elwill also worked for the government, helping to manage taxes on goods.
When his father, Sir Edmund, died on February 2, 1740, young John became the 4th Baronet. This meant he inherited the title and became Sir John Elwill, 4th Baronet.
A Career in Politics
Sir John Elwill decided to get involved in politics. He was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (often called an MP). An MP is a person elected by the public to represent them in the country's main law-making body, which was called the Parliament of Great Britain at that time.
He was elected to represent the town of Guildford in the 1747 British general election. He kept this job for a long time, serving in Parliament for three different terms until 1768. This shows he was a trusted and respected figure in his community.
Building a Home and Family Life
On November 30, 1755, Sir John Elwill married Selina, Lady Ranelagh. She was a widow, meaning her first husband, Arthur Cole, 1st Baron Ranelagh, had passed away. Selina was the daughter of Peter Bathurst, who lived at Clarendon Park, Wiltshire. Her mother was Lady Selina Shirley.
Sir John Elwill was also interested in building. Between 1758 and 1763, he had a large house constructed in Englefield Green, Surrey. He named this grand home "Elvills." Today, it is known as Castle Hill. The famous architect Stiff Leadbetter designed the house.
The End of a Title
Sir John Elwill, 4th Baronet, passed away on March 1, 1778. He was buried in Egham, Surrey. He did not have any sons to inherit his title. Because of this, the title of Baronet for the Elwill family came to an end. This is called the baronetcy becoming "extinct."
His wife, Selina, died a few years later, on February 9, 1781, when she was 60 years old. She was buried at West Dean, where they had been married.
