Waller Bacon facts for kids

Waller Bacon (born around 1669, died 1734) was an important British lawyer and politician. He was a member of the Whig party. He served in the House of Commons for 24 years. This means he helped make laws for the country. He was good at writing new laws because of his legal background.

Early Life and Family

Waller Bacon was the only son of Francis Bacon. His mother was Elizabeth Waller. He was born around 1669. In 1679, he took over his father's property.

He studied law at Gray's Inn, a famous law school. He also went to Christ Church, Oxford University. He became a lawyer in 1693.

Waller Bacon was married twice. His first wife was Mary Porter. They married in 1695. She passed away in 1701. He then married Frances in 1703. He lived at Earlham Hall near Norwich. He inherited this property after his mother died in 1704.

Becoming a Politician

Waller Bacon started his public service in Norwich. He became a local official there in 1702.

In 1705, he ran for election to Parliament. He wanted to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Norwich. He was supported by the Whig party. After some issues, he officially became an MP on December 6, 1705.

As an MP, he voted on important issues. He helped create new laws. For example, in 1706, he worked on a law about taxes on coal. This law affected Great Yarmouth. He also helped army officers get their pay.

He was re-elected in 1708. He continued to work on new laws. He helped with a law about roads. He also voted to allow people from a region called Palatine to become British citizens. In 1710, he helped with a law about hackney coaches, which were like early taxis. He also voted in a big trial involving Dr. Sacheverell.

Waller Bacon lost elections in 1710 and 1713. But he did not give up.

Later Political Career

Waller Bacon returned to Parliament in 1715. He continued to represent Norwich. He was a strong supporter of Robert Walpole, a very powerful politician.

In 1714, he got a job as a Commissioner for Victualling. This meant he helped supply food and other items for the navy. He left this job in 1717 to support Walpole when Walpole was not in power.

In 1718, he became a Freeman of Norwich. This was an important local title. In 1721, he helped pass a law to stop people from wearing calico. This was a type of fabric. This law helped local wool makers.

After Walpole became powerful again, Waller Bacon got another job in 1722. He became a commissary in Minorca. This job involved managing supplies for the military.

He was re-elected without anyone running against him in 1722. He was also re-elected in 1727 and 1734. He consistently voted with the government.

Death

Waller Bacon passed away on November 11, 1734. He had two sons who survived him.