Sir Matthew White Ridley, 2nd Baronet facts for kids
Sir Matthew White Ridley, 2nd Baronet (born October 28, 1745 – died April 9, 1813), was an important landowner and politician from Northumbria, a region in England. He served in the House of Commons, which is part of the British Parliament, for many years between 1768 and 1812.
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Sir Matthew's Life and Work
Sir Matthew White Ridley was the son of Matthew Ridley, who was also a very active public figure. His father was the leader of the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Company of Merchant Adventurers. He also served as Mayor of Newcastle four times and was a Member of Parliament five times.
Sir Matthew's mother was Elizabeth White. Her family owned Blagdon Hall in Stannington, Northumberland. When his uncle, Sir Matthew White, 1st Baronet, passed away in 1763, young Matthew inherited the special title of Baronet and the large estate at Blagdon Hall.
Important Roles in Newcastle
Just like his father, Sir Matthew became the leader of the Company of Merchant Adventurers in Newcastle. This group was important for trade and business in the city.
He also held several important positions in Newcastle:
- He was chosen as the Chief Magistrate for Newcastle three times. This role was like a main judge or leader for the city's law and order.
- He was elected Mayor of Newcastle three times: in 1774, 1782, and 1791. The Mayor is the head of the city government.
Serving in Parliament
Sir Matthew was a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years. An MP represents a local area in the British Parliament.
- He represented Morpeth from 1768 to 1774.
- He then represented Newcastle from 1774 until 1812.
Remembering Sir Matthew
There is a special monument built to remember Sir Matthew in St Nicholas' Cathedral in Newcastle. The monument shows him dressed in a Roman toga. The words on the monument tell about all the good things he did for his community.
Sir Matthew's Family
Sir Matthew White Ridley married Sarah Colborne in 1777. They had five sons and one daughter together:
- Sir Matthew White Ridley, 3rd Baronet (born 1778 – died 1836)
- Nicholas Ridley-Colborne, 1st Baron Colborne (born 1779 – died 1854)
- Rev. Henry Colborne (born 1780 – died 1832)
- Henrietta Elizabeth (born 1781 – died 1853)
- Rev. Richard (born 1782 – died 1845)
- Rev. Charles John (born 1792)
His great-grandson, who was the 5th Baronet, was given the title Viscount Ridley in 1900. This shows how his family continued to be important in British society.
