Sir William Harbord, 1st Baronet facts for kids

A painting of Sir William Harbord

Sir William Harbord, 1st Baronet (born around 1696 – died February 17, 1770), was an important English landowner and politician. He owned large estates in Gunton and Suffield, Norfolk. Sir William was a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons from 1734 to 1754.

Early Life and Family

Sir William Harbord was born William Morden. He was the oldest son of John Morden from Suffield. His mother was Judith Cropley. She was the daughter of William Cropley.

William went to school in Thurlow and Bury St Edmunds. In 1713, when he was 16, he started studying at Caius College, Cambridge. Later, in 1716, he began studying law. In 1726, he inherited his father's land in Suffield. He married Elizabeth Britiffe in 1732. Her father, Robert Britiffe, was a judge in Norwich.

Political Journey

William Morden began his political career in 1734. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bere Alston. He was elected without anyone running against him. This happened in a special election. His neighbor, Sir John Hobart, helped him.

Later in 1734, he tried to become an MP for Norfolk. He had a lot of financial help from Robert Walpole, a powerful politician. However, he did not win that election. In 1738, he was elected MP for Dunwich in another special election. He was again elected without opposition. For the 1741 election, he returned to Bere Alston and was elected again.

Name Change and New Honors

In 1742, William Morden inherited land and property from his mother's brother, Harbord Harbord. To follow the rules of his uncle's will, William changed his last name. He officially became William Harbord.

During the 1740s, he started building Gunton Hall. This grand house was designed by the famous architect Matthew Brettingham. In 1744, he received a special honor. He was made a Knight Companion of the Order of the Bath. Two years later, in 1746, he was given the title of Baronet. This is a special hereditary title.

He was elected MP for Bere Alston again in 1747. He continued to vote with the government's side. In 1754, he decided to stop being a Member of Parliament.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir William Harbord passed away on February 17, 1770. He had two sons. His oldest son, also named Harbord, inherited his father's Baronet title.

Images for kids

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  Gunton Hall, which was expanded by Harbord Harbord, 1st Baron Suffield