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Sir William FitzHerbert, 1st Baronet facts for kids

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Sir William Fitzherbert

SirWilliamFitzherbert1748.jpg
Born 1748 (1748)
Died 1791 (1792)
Education St John's College Cambridge
Occupation lawyer

Sir William FitzHerbert (1748–1791) was an important person in British history. He was the very first Baronet of Fitzherbert of Tissington. A Baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family. Sir William was a skilled lawyer and also served as a judge, called a recorder, for the town of Derby. He even worked for King George III as an usher, helping with royal events. He also owned large farms in places like Jamaica and Barbados.

Sir William FitzHerbert's Life Story

Sir William FitzHerbert was born on May 27, 1748. His parents were William Fitzherbert, who was a Member of Parliament for Derby, and Mary Fitzherbert. Their family home was Tissington Hall in Derbyshire.

William went to school at Westminster School. After that, he studied at St John's College, Cambridge, and earned his Master of Arts degree in 1770.

Traveling Through Europe

When he was about 20 years old, William went on a big trip around Europe. This kind of trip was called a Grand Tour. He traveled with his friend and neighbor, William Cavendish. William Cavendish later became the fifth Duke of Devonshire.

They visited many famous cities. After leaving Paris, they went to major cities in Italy. These included Rome and Florence. While in Italy, Sir William asked artists to paint portraits of him and his friend. Thomas Patch painted William FitzHerbert, and Pompeo Batoni painted William Cavendish.

Cavendish anf Fitzherbert by Thomas Patch
Sir William FitzHerbert with the 5th Duke of Devonshire around 1780, painted by Thomas Patch.

Working for the King

Sir William worked as a Gentleman Usher for King George III. This meant he helped the King with official duties and ceremonies. As a reward for his service, he received portraits of the King and Queen.

On October 14, 1777, he married Sarah Perrin in London. Through his marriage to Sarah, he gained ownership of five large farms in Jamaica. These included four sugar farms named Blue Mountain, Forest, Grange Hill, and Vere. He also owned a coffee farm called Retrieve Mountain.

Becoming a Baronet

Sir William became a Baronet on January 22, 1784. After this, he moved back to his family home, Tissington Hall. He passed away in 1791 and was buried at Tissington.

His son, Anthony Perrin Fitzherbert, took over the Baronet title after him. William also had a younger brother named Alleyne FitzHerbert. Alleyne was a diplomat and later became a Baron himself in 1791.

Anthony Fitzherbert, the second Baronet, sadly died young. He was only 19 years old when he passed away suddenly in 1798. His younger brother, Henry, then became the third Baronet. Henry was the third son of the first Sir William.

What Did Sir William Write?

Sir William FitzHerbert also wrote some books during his life. Here are a few of his important writings:

  • Maxims and Reflections (1784)
  • Short Enquiry into showing the origin and ancient privileges of Knights Banneret (1779)
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