Vere Beauclerk, 1st Baron Vere facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Lord Vere
Born	14 July 1699
Died	21 October 1781(1781-10-21) (aged 82) St James's Square, London
Buried	St James's Palace, London
Allegiance	Kingdom of Great Britain
Service/branch	Royal Navy
Years of service	1713–1750
Rank	Admiral
Commands held	HMS Lyme HMS Kinsale HMS Oxford HMS Hampton Court
Spouse(s)	Mary Chambers

Admiral Vere Beauclerk, 1st Baron Vere (born July 14, 1699 – died October 21, 1781) was an important officer in the Royal Navy. He was also a British politician and a member of the House of Commons for 24 years. Before 1750, he was known as Lord Vere Beauclerk.

After commanding several ships in the Mediterranean, including HMS Hampton Court, he joined the Board of Admiralty. This was like the main leadership team for the Navy. He eventually became the Senior Naval Lord, a very high position.

A Life in the Navy

Vere Beauclerk was the son of the 1st Duke of St Albans. His grandmother was Diana Beauclerk, Duchess of St Albans. He was also a grandson of King Charles II.

Early Naval Career

Beauclerk started his career in the Royal Navy in 1713. He quickly moved up the ranks. On May 30, 1721, he became a post-captain. This meant he was in charge of a ship.

He served on different ships in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1727, he took command of HMS Lyme. Later, he commanded HMS Kinsale in 1729. In 1731, he was in charge of HMS Oxford. By December 1731, he was given command of the larger ship, HMS Hampton Court.

Joining the Admiralty Board

In March 1738, Beauclerk joined the Board of Admiralty. This board was responsible for managing the Royal Navy. He had to leave the board in March 1742 when the government changed.

He returned to the Board of Admiralty in December 1744. His career continued to advance. On April 23, 1745, he was promoted to rear admiral. In February 1746, he became the Senior Naval Lord on the Board. This was a very important leadership role in the Navy.

He was promoted again to vice admiral on July 14, 1746. Finally, he became a full Admiral on May 12, 1748. He retired from the Navy in November 1749.

Life in Politics and Public Service

Besides his naval career, Vere Beauclerk was also involved in politics and helping others.

Serving in Parliament

From 1726 to 1741, Beauclerk was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Windsor. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the House of Commons, which is part of the British government.

From 1741 to 1750, he was an MP for Plymouth. He took over this role from his brother, Henry.

Helping Children and Other Roles

Beauclerk was one of the first Vice Presidents of the Foundling Hospital in London. This hospital was a charity for children who had been abandoned. He held this unpaid position from 1739 to 1756, and again from 1758 to 1767.

When he retired from politics in 1750, he was given the title Baron Vere. This made him a peer, a member of the British nobility. He was also the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire from 1761 to 1771. This role meant he was the King's representative in the county of Berkshire.

Lord Vere passed away at his home in London on October 21, 1781.

Family Life

Arms of Admiral Lord Vere

On April 13, 1736, in London, Vere Beauclerk married Mary Chambers. She was born around 1714 and died on January 21, 1783. Mary was the granddaughter of the 2nd Earl of Berkeley.

They had six children together. Sadly, four of their children died when they were very young:

• Vere Beauclerk (born January 12, 1737 – died December 26, 1739)
• Chamber Beauclerk (born February 22, 1738 – died July 16, 1747)
• Sackville Beauclerk (born April 12, 1739 – died April 25, 1739)
• Aubrey Beauclerk, 5th Duke of St Albans (born June 3, 1740 – died February 9, 1802)
• Elizabeth Beauclerk (born July 7, 1741 – died April 19, 1746)
• The Hon. Mary Beauclerk (born December 4, 1743 – died January 13, 1812). She married Lord Charles Spencer.