Walter Chetwynd, 1st Viscount Chetwynd facts for kids

Walter Chetwynd, born on June 3, 1678, was an important British politician. He was known as the 1st Viscount Chetwynd. He lived at Rudge in Shropshire and Ingestre in Staffordshire. Walter was a member of the Whig political group and served in the British House of Commons, which is like a parliament, for many years between 1702 and 1734.

Walter's Early Life and Education

Walter Chetwynd was the oldest son of John Chetwynd of Ingestre and his wife, Lucy Roane. He was born on June 3, 1678. When his cousin, also named Walter Chetwynd, passed away in 1693, young Walter inherited the large family estates at Ingestre.

Walter went to Westminster School from 1692 to 1696. After that, when he was 18, he started studying at Christ Church, Oxford University, on May 28, 1696. Later, on May 27, 1703, he married Mary Berkeley.

Ingestre Hall, Walter Chetwynd's family home in Staffordshire.

Walter's Time in Politics

Walter Chetwynd became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Stafford on December 26, 1702. He took over the seat after his father passed away. An MP is someone elected to represent a specific area in the country's main law-making body, the House of Commons.

Working for the Royal Family

In 1705, Walter was given a special job: he became a joint Master of Buckhounds for Prince George of Denmark. This role involved managing the royal hunting dogs. He was re-elected as MP for Stafford in 1705 and again in 1708. In 1709, he became the main Master of the Buckhounds for Queen Anne.

Elections and Changes

Walter was elected MP for Stafford again in 1710, but he lost his seat on January 25, 1711, after a special review. However, he won the seat back in another election on January 24, 1712, and kept it after the 1713 general election. In 1714, he was given another royal job as the ranger of St. James's Park, which meant he was in charge of the park.

He was elected as MP for Stafford once more in 1715. In 1717, he was given a special noble title in Ireland, becoming Viscount Chetwynd. This title could be passed down to his father's family members. In the same year, he also became the high steward of Stafford, a local leadership role.

Walter lost his MP seat in the 1722 general election but was elected again on February 4, 1725. He was re-elected in 1727 but decided not to run in the 1734 election.

Walter's Later Life

Walter Chetwynd passed away on February 21, 1736. He and his wife, Mary, did not have any children. Because of this, his title and family estates went to his brother, John.

Arms of Walter Chetwynd, 1st Viscount Chetwynd

Crest A goat’s head erased Argent attired Or. Escutcheon Azure a chevron between three mullets Or. Supporters Two unicorns Argent each gorged with a chaplet of roses Gules barbed and seeded Proper thereto affixed reflexed over the back a line of roses as around the neck. Motto Probitas Verus Honos