Sir John Swinburne, 6th Baronet facts for kids

Sir John Swinburne, 6th Baronet (born March 6, 1762 – died September 26, 1860) was an important English politician. He also supported many artists and creative people. He lived a very long life, reaching 98 years old.

John Swinburne in 1785, painted by Thomas Gainsborough.

Life Story

Sir John Swinburne was born in Bordeaux, France. His family, the Swinburnes of Capheaton Hall, had a long history. They were traditionally Roman Catholic and supported the Jacobite cause.

However, when John was 25, he became the head of the family. He decided to change his path. He became a Protestant and joined the Whig political party. This was a big change for his family.

Becoming a Politician

In 1788, Sir John became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Launceston. This is a town in Cornwall, England. He took over the seat from George Rose.

Sir John had planned to represent Northumberland. But Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland helped him get the seat in Cornwall instead. Even though he didn't stay in Parliament for long, he remained a key political leader in Northumberland. He was also friends with Charles Grey, who later became Prime Minister.

Capheaton Hall and Societies

Sir John continued work on his family home, Capheaton Hall. His father had started the project, and William Newton helped finish the north side of the building.

He was also a member of several important groups. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group for top scientists. He was also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, which studies history. Sir John was also the very first president of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne. This group focused on the history of his local area.

Supporting Artists

Sir John Swinburne was known as a "patron." This means he supported artists and writers with money and encouragement.

He helped a painter named William Mulready. They both loved boxing! Mulready taught the Swinburne family how to paint and also painted their portraits. Sir John also supported John Hodgson. Hodgson was a historian who wrote a book about Northumberland. He said Sir John gave a lot of help and materials for his work.

Family Life

Sir John Swinburne married Emma Bennet on July 13, 1787. Emma was from Babraham, Cambridgeshire. She was also related to the Duke of Northumberland.

Sir John and Emma had several children:

• Edward (1788–1819), who married Anne Nassau Sutton.
• Elizabeth (1790–1790), who sadly passed away as a baby.
• Julia (1795–).
• Charles Henry (1797–1877), who became an officer in the Royal Navy. He married Jane Henrietta. They had six children. One of their children was the famous poet Algernon Charles Swinburne.
• Emily Elizabeth (1798– ), who married Henry George Ward in 1824.
• Frances (1799–1821).
• Elizabeth (1805–1896), who married John William Bowden in 1828.

Sir John Swinburne lived a long and full life. He passed away in December 1860, at the age of 98.

Family Coat of Arms

Arms of Sir John Swinburne, 6th Baronet

Crest Out of a ducal coronet Or a demi-boar rampant Argent crined of the First, langued Gules. Escutcheon Per fess Gules and Argent three cinquefoils Counterchanged Motto Semel Et Semper (Once And Always)