Sir Nathaniel Napier, 2nd Baronet facts for kids

Sir Nathaniel Napier, 2nd Baronet (1636–1709) was an important English gentleman who was also a politician and a great traveler. A "Baronet" is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family. Sir Nathaniel was also known as a dilettante, which means he was interested in many things, especially art and travel, just for fun and learning, not as a job.

Early Life and Education

Nathaniel Napier was born in 1636. He was the third son of Sir Gerrard Napier, who was the first Baronet of More Crichel in Dorset. His mother was Margaret Colles.

When he was 18, in 1654, Nathaniel went to Oriel College, Oxford, which is a famous university. He was a "fellow-commoner," meaning he paid more and had some special privileges. He even gave the college a beautiful bronze eagle lectern, which is a stand for holding books. However, because he wasn't very healthy, he didn't finish his studies or get a degree. After he got married in 1656, he lived a quiet life in Edmondsham, Dorset.

Becoming a Politician

In 1662, Nathaniel Napier was made a knight. He spent some time traveling before taking on more responsibilities. In 1673, his father passed away, and Nathaniel became the second Baronet. He then settled down as a country gentleman, managing his family's lands and homes. He even fixed up Middlemarsh Hall and Crichel House.

Sir Nathaniel became involved in politics and was chosen to represent Dorset in the House of Commons. The House of Commons is a part of the English government where elected people discuss and make laws. He served there from April 1677 to February 1678.

Serving in Parliament

After his time representing Dorset, Sir Nathaniel Napier served as a member of Parliament for Corfe Castle in 1679, 1681, and 1685.

In 1689, he became the representative for Poole. He had helped Poole get back its special town rules, called a charter, which had been taken away in 1687. There was a bit of a debate about who should get the second seat for Poole. The House of Commons decided that only certain important people (the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses) could vote for that seat, and they had voted for Napier.

Sir Nathaniel continued to represent Poole until 1698. Later, he represented Dorchester from 1702 until 1705. At first, people weren't sure which political group he supported, but by the end of his life, he was clearly a Tory.

Later Life and Travels

In 1697, Sir Nathaniel Napier started traveling again. He went on a trip through France and Italy and kept a journal of his experiences. While in France, he even spent time with James II of England, who was the former king, and his son.

He visited Holland again in 1701 and spent three months in Rotterdam in 1704, planning to go to Hanover next.

From March 1706 to September 1707, Sir Nathaniel was in Spa, Belgium to improve his health. He eventually passed away in England on January 21, 1709. He was buried with his family in Great Minterne, Dorset, where he had already built a monument for himself. His son later added a special message on the wall.

His Writings and Art

Sir Nathaniel Napier was not just a politician and traveler; he also enjoyed writing and drawing. In 1667, he spent three months in Holland with his mother's brother-in-law, Henry Coventry, who was a diplomat. Coventry was there to work on an important agreement called the Treaty of Breda (1667). When Napier returned, he wrote a book called a Particular Tract about his travels.

He also visited France in 1671–1672 and wrote another Tract about that trip. He was known for his drawing skills too.

Family Life

In 1656, Sir Nathaniel's father arranged for him to marry Blanche Wyndham. Blanche was the daughter of Sir Hugh Wyndham, who was a judge. Lady Napier passed away in 1695.

Sadly, their first four sons had all died before 1690. So, in 1697, Sir Nathaniel married a lady from Gloucestershire named Susanna Guise. They also had a daughter named Elizabeth, who married Sir John Guise.

Sir Nathaniel was succeeded by his only surviving son, Nathaniel. This son also became a member of Parliament for Dorchester many times between 1695 and 1722. When his grandson, the sixth Baronet, died in 1765, the family's properties went to a cousin, Humphry Sturt, who further developed Crichel House.