Sir John Evelyn, 2nd Baronet facts for kids

Sir John Evelyn, 2nd Baronet (born August 24, 1706 – died June 11, 1767) was an important person in British politics. He worked for the royal family and was a member of the House of Commons (like a parliament) for 40 years, from 1727 until he died in 1767. He was part of the Whig political group.

Early Life and Family

Sir John Evelyn was born in a place called Wotton, Surrey, in England. He was the oldest son of Sir John Evelyn, 1st Baronet of Wotton, who worked for the government collecting taxes on goods. His mother was Anne Boscawen.

When he was 18, in 1725, he went to Queen's College, Oxford, which is a famous university.

A Career in Politics

Sir John Evelyn started his long political career in 1727. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for a town called Helston. Being an MP meant he helped make laws for the country.

He worked for Prince Frederick, who was the son of the King. From 1731 to 1733, Sir John was an Equerry, which meant he was a personal attendant to the Prince. Then, from 1733 to 1751, he was a Groom of the Bedchamber, which was another important role helping the Prince.

Sir John was re-elected as an MP for Helston in 1734. For a while, he supported the government's decisions. However, in 1738, he decided to support Prince Frederick, who was often in disagreement with the main government leaders.

He was elected again in 1741, this time for a different town called Penryn. He continued to follow Prince Frederick's political ideas. After a major change in government in 1742, he supported the new leaders for a few years. But then, Prince Frederick started disagreeing with the government again, and Sir John followed him.

In 1747, he was elected back to represent Helston. Prince Frederick even helped pay for some of his election costs. After Prince Frederick passed away, Sir John Evelyn decided to support the main government again.

Later Years and Royal Service

Sir John Evelyn continued to be an MP for Helston, being re-elected in 1754 and 1761.

In 1756, he was given a job working for another Prince, George, who would later become King George III. Sir John became the clerk of the household for Prince George. In 1760, he was promoted to a role called Clerk of the Green Cloth. This was an important position that managed the royal household's expenses and arrangements.

In 1763, when his father died, Sir John Evelyn inherited the title of Baronet, becoming the 2nd Baronet of Wotton.

Family Life and Death

Sir John Evelyn married Mary Boscawen on August 17, 1732, at Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London. Mary was born in 1705. Sadly, she passed away on September 15, 1749, and was buried in Wotton.

Sir John Evelyn himself died on June 11, 1767, when he was 60 years old. He was also buried in Wotton, eight days after his death. His only son, Frederick Evelyn, took over his title.

Images for kids

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  Sir John Evelyn of Wotton, 2nd Bt, MP
  (the original is supposedly by Kneller)