Walter Spencer-Stanhope (1749–1822) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Walter Spencer-Stanhope
Walter Spencer-Stanhope from The Dilettanti Society, after Joshua Reynolds
Born	4 February 1749
Died	10 April 1821  (aged 72)
Occupation	Politician
Spouse(s)	Mary Winifred Pulleine
Children	John Spencer Stanhope, Marianne Spencer Stanhope Hudson

Walter Spencer-Stanhope (born February 4, 1749, died April 10, 1821) was an important British politician and businessman. His family, from Horsforth and Leeds, Yorkshire, made their money in the iron trade. Walter later became a Member of Parliament, serving in the House of Commons from 1775 to 1812.

Early Life and Education

Walter Spencer-Stanhope was born Stanhope. He was the only son of Walter Stanhope, a merchant from Leeds, and his second wife, Ann Spencer. Ann was the daughter of William Spencer of Cannon Hall. Records show he was born on February 4, 1749, and was baptized on March 9 of the same year.

Walter went to Bradford Grammar School. After that, he studied at University College, Oxford. He also studied law in London at the Middle Temple.

In 1775, Walter inherited Cannon Hall from his uncle, John Spencer. To honor his uncle and the family, he officially changed his last name from Stanhope to Spencer-Stanhope.

Political Career

Walter Spencer-Stanhope became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1775. He represented several areas during his time in politics:

• Carlisle (1775)
• Haslemere (1780)
• Hull, Yorkshire (1784)
• Cockermouth (1800)
• Carlisle, Cumberland (1802)

He was a strong supporter of William Pitt the Younger, who was a famous British Prime Minister. Walter was also a good friend of William Wilberforce, who worked hard to end slavery. After meeting Wilberforce, Walter became a philanthropist, meaning he gave money and time to help others.

Business Interests

The Spencer family, Walter's mother's side, had a long history in business. They were involved in setting up the cotton industry in the late 1600s. They also played a big part in starting the charcoal iron industry. This industry was important in the area between Leeds and Sheffield for over 120 years.

Family Life

Walter Spencer-Stanhope married Mary Winifred Pulleine on October 21, 1783. They were married in Tynemouth, England. Walter and Mary had a large family with eight sons and seven daughters.

One of their sons, John Spencer-Stanhope, became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This means he was a respected scientist. John was also the father of two other notable people: Walter Spencer-Stanhope and John Roddam Spencer Stanhope.

Walter Spencer-Stanhope passed away in London on April 10, 1821, after being ill for a long time. He was buried at the church in Cawthorne, South Yorkshire. His wife, Mary, died many years later on December 16, 1850, and was buried next to him.

Among their many children were:

• Walter Spencer Spencer-Stanhope (born 1784)
• Marianne Spencer-Stanhope (born 1786)
• John Spencer-Stanhope (born 1787)
• Anne Spencer-Stanhope (born 1788)
• Catherine Spencer-Stanhope (born 1789, died 1795)
• Elizabeth Spencer-Stanhope (born 1790, died 1801)
• Edward Spencer-Stanhope (born 1791)
• William Spencer-Stanhope (born 1793)
• Thomas Henry Spencer-Stanhope (born 1794, died 1808)
• Charles Spencer-Stanhope (born 1795). He became a vicar at Cawthorne church for 52 years.
• Isabella Spencer-Stanhope (born 1797)
• Philip Spencer-Stanhope (born 1799)
• Frances Mary Spencer-Stanhope (born 1800)
• Maria Alicia Spencer-Stanhope (born 1802)
• Hugh Spencer-Stanhope (born 1804)

See also

• Spencer-Stanhope family