Sir Jonathan Cope, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir Jonathan Cope, 1st Baronet (born around 1691 – died March 28, 1765) was an important British landowner and politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, from 1713 to 1722.

Early Life and Education

Jonathan Cope was the oldest son of Jonathan Cope, who was also a Member of Parliament (MP). His family lived at Ranton Abbey in Staffordshire. His mother was Susan Fowler. When his father passed away in 1694, young Jonathan inherited the family's lands.

He had guardians who helped look after him and his property, including Sir Thomas Pershall and Sir Robert Jenkinson. Jonathan went to Eton College, a famous school, and then studied at Christ Church, Oxford, a university, when he was 16 years old.

Political Career and Baronet Title

In 1713, Jonathan Cope became a Member of Parliament for Banbury without anyone running against him. He was part of the Tory political group.

A special honor was given to him on March 1, 1714, when he was made a baronet. This is a title that can be passed down in a family, similar to a knight but hereditary.

He was re-elected for Banbury in 1715, again without opposition. While in Parliament, he often voted against the government's plans. Because he was a Tory, his name was even shared with James Francis Edward Stuart, who was trying to become king of Britain.

In 1721, Jonathan Cope inherited more land, the Hanwell estates, from another part of his family. He decided not to run for Parliament again in 1722. His cousin, Monoux Cope, took his place as the MP for Banbury.

Family Life

Jonathan Cope married Mary Jenkinson around 1717. Mary was the daughter of Sir Robert Jenkinson, who had been one of his guardians. She was born in 1690 and passed away in February 1755 in Bath, Somerset. She was buried at Hanwell.

Jonathan and Mary had one son, also named Jonathan, who sadly died before his father. They also had five daughters.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Jonathan Cope passed away on March 28, 1765, at Orton Longueville in Huntingdonshire. He was buried at Hanwell.

He owned a lot of property and land. One interesting part of his wealth was the "ground rent" for the London Custom House. This meant the government paid him £1,600 every year for 99 years to use the land where the Custom House stood.

After his death, his grandson, Charles, inherited his title and estates.