Welbore Ellis, 1st Baron Mendip facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Mendip
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Portrait by Anton Hickel
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| Secretary of State for the Colonies | |
| In office February 1782 – 8 March 1782 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | Lord North |
| Preceded by | Lord George Germain |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 December 1713 England, Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Died | 2 February 1802 (aged 88) England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
Welbore Ellis, who later became the 1st Baron Mendip, was an important British politician. He was born on December 15, 1713, and passed away on February 2, 1802. He served in the House of Commons, a part of the British Parliament, for 53 years. This was from 1741 until 1794.
In 1794, he was given the special title of Baron Mendip. He held several important jobs in the government. One of these was briefly serving as the Secretary for the Colonies in 1782. This was during the time of the American War of Independence.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Welbore Ellis was the only son of Welbore Ellis, who was a bishop. A bishop is a high-ranking church official. He went to Westminster School from 1727 to 1732. After that, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university.
A Long Political Career
Ellis began his political journey in 1741. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Cricklade. An MP is someone elected to represent people in Parliament. Over the years, he represented several different areas. These included Weymouth and Melcombe Regis and Aylesbury.
Key Government Roles
In 1762, Ellis became the Secretary at War. This role involved managing the army. The next year, in 1763, he suggested sending twenty army groups to the American colonies. He also disagreed with accepting papers from the American Continental Congress in Parliament.
He later became the Treasurer of the Navy in 1777. This job involved handling money for the navy. In 1782, he briefly took on the role of Secretary of State for the Colonies. He held this job for only a few months. This was just before the American colonies gained their independence.
Father of the House
By 1784, Welbore Ellis had served in the House of Commons for 43 years. This made him the longest-serving member at that time. He was given the honorary title of "Father of the House." This title is given to the member who has served the longest.
Becoming Baron Mendip
In 1794, Welbore Ellis was given the title of Baron Mendip. This was a special honor for his many years of service to the government. The title was set up so that his sister's eldest sons would inherit it after him.
Personal Life and Family
_-_Wellbore_Ellis_(1713%E2%80%931802),_1st_Baron_Mendip,_Statesman_-_PG_3576_-_National_Galleries_of_Scotland.jpg)
In 1738, Welbore Ellis received a large amount of money from his uncle, John Ellis. With this money, he built a house called Clifden House in Brentford.
He was married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth, whom he married in 1747. His second wife was Anne, whom he married in 1765. Welbore Ellis did not have any children of his own. He passed away in February 1802 when he was 88 years old. His great-nephew, Henry Welbore Agar, inherited his title.
See also
- Viscount Clifden
