Sir William Barker, 5th Baronet facts for kids

Sir William Barker, 5th Baronet (born 1685 – died 23 July 1731) was an important British politician. He came from Grimston Hall in Suffolk, England. Sir William was a member of the Tory party and served in the House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament, from 1708 to 1731.

Early Life and Family

Sir William Barker was the son of Sir John Barker, 4th Baronet and his mother, Bridget Bacon. Bridget's father was Sir Nicholas Bacon, who lived at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk. In 1696, when he was about 11 years old, William became the 5th Baronet after his father passed away. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family.

William went to Ipswich school. Later, on April 7, 1702, when he was 16, he started studying at Pembroke College, Cambridge University. He married Mary Bence, who was the only daughter of John Bence. John Bence was also a Member of Parliament (MP) from Heveningham, Suffolk.

Political Journey in Parliament

Sir William Barker first tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1707 but didn't win. However, in the 1708 British general election, he successfully became an MP for Ipswich. This happened in a close election, right when his father-in-law was leaving Parliament.

Key Votes and Elections

In 1710, Sir William voted against the idea of removing Dr. Sacheverell from his position. Later that year, in the 1710 British general election, he was re-elected as MP for Ipswich. He was known as a 'Tory patriot' because he voted against continuing a war. He also helped show problems with the government that was in power before. Sir William was also part of a group called the October Club.

In the 1713 British general election, he was elected as an MP for Thetford without anyone running against him.

Time Out of Parliament

Sir William did not run in the 1715 general election, so he was not in Parliament for a few years. During this time, his first wife, Mary, passed away on January 1, 1716.

He returned to Parliament on October 31, 1722, becoming an MP for Suffolk in a special election. He spoke against the government's plans for the army on November 23, 1724. He also spoke against a government request for money on April 12, 1727.

Later Years in Parliament

In the 1727 British general election, Sir William was re-elected for Suffolk after another close election. He continued to speak against the government. For example, on May 7, 1728, he spoke against another request for money. In April 1729, he spoke twice about money that the government owed.

Later Life and Passing

Sir William Barker married his second wife, Anne Spencer, on February 9, 1731. Anne was the widow of Edward Spencer from Rendlesham, Suffolk. They were married at St Marylebone Church in London.

Just a few months later, on July 23, 1731, Sir William passed away at his home in East Street, London. His son, Sir John Barker, 6th Baronet, took over the baronetcy. Sir John was Sir William's only child from his first marriage. Sir William also left £500 in his will to help a young man named Charles King, who may have been his son.