Sir William Stapleton, 4th Baronet facts for kids
Sir William Stapleton, 4th Baronet (around 1698–1740), was an important English politician. He lived at Rotherfield Greys in Oxfordshire. Sir William was known as a Jacobite and a Tory. This means he supported the old royal family (the Stuarts) and belonged to a political group called the Tories. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, from 1727 until 1740.
Growing Up and Family
Sir William Stapleton grew up on an island called Nevis. This island is part of the British Leeward Islands. His father was also named Sir William Stapleton, the 3rd Baronet. His mother was Frances Russell. Her father, Sir James Russell, was even a governor of Nevis.
When his father passed away in 1699, young William became the 4th Baronet. A Baronet is a special title, like a knight, but it can be passed down in the family.
He went to Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university, when he was 15 years old in 1714. Later, in 1724, he married Catherine Paul. Her family owned a place called Greys Court, which then became Sir William's home.
Political Journey
In the 1720s, Sir William spent time with other Jacobites, including a famous person named Philip Wharton. These were people who wanted the old royal family to return to the throne.
In 1727, Sir William was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Oxfordshire. This means he represented his area in the House of Commons. He was elected without anyone running against him.
During his time in parliament, he always voted against the government's plans. He spoke up in 1733 about a law to help the sugar colonies. He successfully argued against allowing rum from North America to be sent to Ireland. He thought this would hurt the sugar colonies. He also helped write the Molasses Act, which was a law about trade.
He was elected again in 1734, once more without anyone opposing him. Some people described him as a quiet Tory who was part of the "Country Party." This group often disagreed with the main government.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir William Stapleton passed away in Bath on January 12, 1740. He and his wife had three sons and two daughters. After his death, his wife Catherine married again.
His second son, Thomas, became the 5th Baronet after him. Sadly, his oldest son, William, was killed while serving on a ship called HMS Isis in Jamaica. His daughter Catherine married Sir James Wright, who was a special minister in Venice.
