Sir Tristram Dillington, 5th Baronet facts for kids
Sir Tristram Dillington (born around 1678, died 1721) was an important person in British history. He was a soldier in the British Army, owned land, and was also a politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is part of the British Parliament, from 1707 to 1721. He was known as the 5th Baronet of Knighton, Isle of Wight.
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Early Life and Family
Tristram Dillington was born around 1678. He was the third son of Sir Robert Dillington, who was the 2nd Baronet of Knighton. His mother was Hannah Webb. Being a younger son, Tristram decided to join the army. This was a common path for younger sons of noble families at the time. He also studied law for a short time at a place called Inner Temple in 1694.
Military and Political Career
Tristram Dillington began his military career in 1701 as an ensign in the 1st Foot Guards. An ensign was a junior officer who carried the regiment's flag. By 1703, he became a cornet in the 1st Dragoon Guards, which meant he was an officer in a cavalry unit. He even fought in the famous Battle of Blenheim.
In 1706, Tristram became the 5th Baronet after his brother, Sir John Dillington, passed away. He also inherited Knighton Gorges Manor, a family estate that had been theirs since 1563. By 1707, he was a brevet captain in the Guards, which was a temporary higher rank.
Serving in Parliament
In 1707, Tristram Dillington was elected to Parliament as a Member of Parliament for Newport (Isle of Wight). He was elected without anyone running against him. At the same time, he continued his military career, becoming a Lieutenant-colonel in 1708.
He was part of a political group called the Whigs. In 1709, he became a captain and Lieutenant-colonel in the Coldstream Guards. He voted in an important political event in 1710, supporting the impeachment of Dr. Sacheverell. He did not run for Parliament in the elections of 1710 or 1713.
Later Years in Service
In 1716, Dillington was made Governor of Hurst Castle, an important fortress. He became a 2nd Major in the army in 1717. He was also re-elected as an MP for Newport in 1717, again without opposition. During his time in Parliament, he always voted with the government.
Death and Legacy
Sir Tristram Dillington passed away on July 7, 1721, when he was about 43 years old. He never married. He left his property to his sisters, Mary and Hannah. After they both passed away, the estate was shared between his nephew, Maurice Bocland, and his niece, Jane Eyre.
