Solomon Dayrolles facts for kids

Solomon Dayrolles (died 1786) was an English diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations, helping to manage relationships between governments. He was known for his close friendship with Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, a famous writer and politician. This friendship helped Dayrolles advance quickly in his career.

A Diplomat's Journey

Solomon Dayrolles was the nephew of James Dayrolles, who was also a diplomat. Solomon inherited money from his uncle. He was also the godson of Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, a well-known politician. Lord Chesterfield's friendship helped Solomon get ahead in his job.

Early Career

Dayrolles started his diplomatic work with James Waldegrave, 1st Earl Waldegrave, who was an ambassador in Vienna. Later, when Waldegrave became ambassador in Versailles, Lord Chesterfield tried to get Dayrolles a job as secretary there. However, someone else with more influence got the position.

Working for the King

On February 27, 1740, Dayrolles became a gentleman of the privy chamber for King George II. This was a special role in the king's court. He kept this job when George III became king. King George II liked Dayrolles very much.

Because the king liked him, Dayrolles was given the job of Master of the Revels on April 12, 1744. This role was in charge of royal entertainment.

Important Roles

Dayrolles worked as secretary for Lord Chesterfield during his second time as ambassador in The Hague in 1745. Later that year, when Lord Chesterfield became the lord-lieutenant of Ireland (a high-ranking official), Dayrolles went with him. He was also given a special job called gentleman usher of the black rod in the Irish House of Lords. This was an honorary position.

Thanks to the king's liking and Lord Chesterfield's influence, Dayrolles became the king's resident (another type of diplomat) in The Hague on May 12, 1747. He stayed there for four years. After that, he moved to a similar job in Brussels, where he worked until August 1757.

Later Life

In 1739, after his uncle died, Dayrolles inherited money. That same year, he bought a large property called Henley Park near Guildford. He owned this property until 1785.

Dayrolles passed away in March 1786. His collection of books was sold that same year. In 1743, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group that promotes science.

His Legacy

Dayrolles helped Matthew Maty write his book about Lord Chesterfield, called Life of Chesterfield. For many years, Dayrolles and Lord Chesterfield wrote letters to each other. These letters from Chesterfield were later published by Lord Mahon.

His Family

On July 4, 1751, Solomon Dayrolles married Christabella Peterson. She was known for her polite manners and dignified look. Christabella died in 1791 at the age of 58.

Dayrolles and Christabella had one son and three daughters.

• Their son, Thomas Philip Dayrolles, was a captain in the army. He died in Lausanne and had married a Swiss lady named Mlle. H. G. Thomaset.
• Their oldest daughter, Christabella, married Townsend Mullins in 1784. Their son later became Thomas de Moleyns, 3rd Baron Ventry.
• Their daughter Emily married the Baron de Reidezel in 1786. He was an aide to the Duke of Würtemberg.
• Their daughter Mary married Richard Croft, a banker, in 1788. It is said that the youngest daughter was the inspiration for a lively character named Miss Larolles in Fanny Burney's novel Cecilia.