Sir William Bellingham, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir William Bellingham (born around 1756, died 1826) was an important British politician who was born in Ireland. He worked for the Royal Navy, helping to manage their supplies. He was especially in charge of getting food and other necessities for the famous Vancouver Expedition. Even though he never traveled to the Pacific Ocean, a bay and a city in the United States are named after him: Bellingham Bay and Bellingham, Washington.
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William's Early Life
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William Bellingham was the son of Alan Bellingham, a military officer from Castlebellingham in Ireland. His mother was Alice Montgomery. William had three siblings: O'Bryen, Thomas, and Alan.
He went to Trinity College, Dublin, a famous university, and finished his studies in 1778. In 1783, he married Hester Frances Cholmondeley.
His Career in Government
William Bellingham moved to Reigate, a town in England. From 1784 to 1789, he was elected as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. This meant he helped make laws for the country.
In 1789, William was given an important job. He became a commissioner for the "victualling" of the Royal Navy. "Victualling" means providing food and other supplies for the navy's ships and sailors.
On January 21, 1790, he became the Controller of Storekeepers Accounts. This role meant he was in charge of checking all the records for the navy's supplies. He held this job until 1793.
The Vancouver Expedition
During his time as Controller, William Bellingham oversaw the supplies for George Vancouver's big expedition. This expedition explored the West Coast of North America. Because of his important work, Vancouver named Bellingham Bay after him. Later, the city of Bellingham, Washington was also named in his honor.
William also managed the Sixpenny Office. This was a special fund for the Greenwich Hospital. It collected sixpence (a small amount of money) from every sailor's pay.
Working with William Pitt
Later, William Bellingham became the private secretary to William Pitt, who was a very powerful politician. On April 19, 1796, the King gave William Bellingham the special title of "Baronet." This meant he became "Sir William Bellingham, 1st Baronet."
He was also a member of the Society of Antiquaries. This group studies history and old things. He also worked as the Receiver General for taxes in London.
William Bellingham passed away in 1826. He was buried in his family's special burial place in Castlebellingham, Ireland.
