Sir Richard Sullivan, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir Richard Joseph Sullivan, 1st Baronet (born December 10, 1752 – died July 17, 1806) was an important British politician and writer. He was a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he was elected to represent a part of the country in the British government. He also wrote several books about political topics.

About Richard Sullivan

Richard Sullivan was the third son in his family. His father was Benjamin Sullivan from County Cork, Ireland. Early in his life, Richard and his brother John went to India. They got help from Laurence Sullivan, who was in charge of a big trading company called the East India Company.

After returning from India, Richard traveled around England, Scotland, and Wales. He became a member of two important groups in London: the Society of Antiquaries in 1785 and the Royal Society later that same year. These groups were for people interested in history, science, and learning.

In 1787, Richard Sullivan was elected as an MP for a place called New Romney. He was elected again for the same area in 1790. He lost his seat in 1796 but was elected again in 1802 for Seaford. Both New Romney and Seaford were part of a group of towns called the Cinque Ports. Even though he voted often in the House of Commons (where MPs meet), there are no records of him giving any speeches. In 1804, he was given a special title: a baronet of the United Kingdom. This means he became "Sir Richard Sullivan, 1st Baronet."

Sir Richard Sullivan passed away at his home in Thames Ditton, Surrey, on July 17, 1806. There is a special plaque in the Church of St Nicholas, Thames Ditton that remembers him.

Richard Sullivan's Family

Sir Richard Sullivan married Mary Lodge in 1778. They had several children. Their oldest son, Richard, died when he was young in 1789. Because of this, the special title of baronet went to their second son, Henry, after Sir Richard passed away. Henry also became an MP.

Henry was later succeeded by his brother, Charles, who became the third baronet. Charles joined the navy and became an Admiral.

Here are some of Sir Richard and Mary's children:

• Richard (died 1789)
• Maria (born and died in 1786)
• Lt. Col. Sir Henry (1785–1814); he was an officer in the Coldstream Guards. He was killed in battle in 1814. He never married.
• Charlotte (1787–1873); she married William Hale and had a son and a daughter.
• Adm. Sir Charles (1789–1862); he married Jean Anne Taylor. They had five children, including future baronets Sir Charles and Sir Edward.
• Elizabeth (1790–1846)
• Edward Richard (1791–1824); he married Eliza Maria Caldwell. They had two sons and a daughter.
• Thomas (died 1796)
• Rev. Frederick (1797–1873); he married Arabella Jane Wilmot and later Emily Ames. He had two sons and a daughter with Arabella, including Sir Francis Sullivan, 6th Baronet.
• Maj. Arthur (1801–1832); he never married.
• Maj.-Gen. William (1804–1870); he married Euphemia Caulfield Harrington.

Images for kids

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  Sullivan's memorial plaque in the Church of St Nicholas, Thames Ditton, Surrey