Sir Richard Myddelton, 3rd Baronet facts for kids
Sir Richard Myddelton (born March 23, 1655 – died April 29, 1716) was an important person from Wales. He lived at Chirk Castle in Denbighshire. Sir Richard was a landowner, meaning he owned a lot of land. He was also a politician who belonged to the Tory party. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament where laws are made, from 1685 until he died in 1716.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Richard Myddelton was the fourth son of Sir Thomas Myddelton, 1st Baronet, who was the first Baronet of Chirk Castle. His mother was Mary Cholmondley.
A "Baronet" is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family. Richard went to Brasenose College, Oxford in 1670 to study. After college, he traveled to other countries.
In 1684, Richard became the 3rd Baronet when his older brother, Sir Thomas Myddelton, 2nd Baronet, passed away. Two years later, in 1686, he married Frances Whitmore. She was known for her beauty and was the daughter of Sir Thomas Whitmore.
Political Career
Sir Richard Myddelton was very active in politics and local government.
Local Roles
- In 1684, he became a "Recorder" (a type of judge) and a "common councilman" for the town of Denbigh.
- He was also made "Custos Rotulorum" for Denbighshire, which meant he was the main keeper of the county's records and a senior justice of the peace.
- He was a "Colonel" in the Denbighshire Militia, a local military group.
- From 1685 to 1686, he served as an "Alderman," a senior member of the town council.
- In 1688, he was appointed "High Sheriff of Denbighshire," a very important local official. However, he lost his roles as Recorder and Custos Rotulorum that same year.
- He got his Custos Rotulorum job back in 1690, but lost it again in 1696.
- When Queen Anne became queen in 1702, Sir Richard was again given the role of Custos Rotulorum. He also became a steward for the Denbigh area.
Serving in Parliament
Sir Richard Myddelton was elected to the House of Commons several times.
- In 1685, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Denbighshire without anyone running against him.
- He was re-elected in 1689, 1690, and 1695.
- He continued to serve as an MP until 1716, the year he died.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir Richard Myddelton passed away on April 29, 1716, and was buried in Chirk. He and his wife, Frances, had two daughters named Frances and Mary, and one son named William.
His daughter wrote that her father had "the wisdom and skills of a statesman" and "the honesty and strength of a patriot." She also said that he was always present in the House of Commons, working hard, as long as he was healthy enough.
His son, William, became the next Baronet. However, William died in 1718 without marrying or having children. Because of this, the Myddelton Baronetcy of Chirk came to an end.
