William Bosville facts for kids

Colonel William Bosville (1745–1813) was an English landowner known for his friendly personality and love of social gatherings. He lived at New Hall in Gunthwaite and Thorpe Hall in Rudston, both in Yorkshire, and also at 76 Welbeck Street in London.

Bosville was a member of the Whig Party, a political group in Britain. He was a close friend of William Cobbett, a writer and politician. When Cobbett was in Newgate Prison, Bosville visited him and gave him a large sum of money to show his support.

William Bosville had a unique style. He always dressed like people did during the time of King George II, wearing a special coat and powdered hair tied in a braid. In 1792, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, a group for important scientists. He also appeared in some political cartoons by James Gillray.

Early Life and Family

William Bosville was born on July 21, 1745. His parents were Godfrey Bosville IV (1717–1784) and Diana Wentworth. His family had owned the Gunthwaite estate since the time of King Henry VI.

He was a descendant of Colonel Godfrey Bosville II (1596–1658). This ancestor was a Member of Parliament and a leader for the Roundheads during the English Civil War. William's younger sister, Julia Bosville, married William Ward, 3rd Viscount Dudley and Ward.

Military Career

William Bosville went to Harrow School when he was younger. On December 24, 1761, he joined the Coldstream Guards as an officer. He became a lieutenant on January 11, 1769.

He served with his regiment during part of the American War of Independence. It was during this time that he likely developed his ideas about a republic. He left the army in June 1777. After returning from America, he traveled through France, Italy, and Morocco. Even though he was a lieutenant, people usually called him Colonel Bosville.

Life in London

After his travels, William Bosville settled in England. He rarely left London for more than a day. He believed London was the best place to live all year round. His home was at 76 Welbeck Street in Westminster. It is said that when he was in Yorkshire, he avoided visiting his own large properties. He did this so he wouldn't have to deal with the problems of being a landowner.

Social Gatherings

Bosville was a very close friend of John Horne Tooke. For many years, he would drive his carriage pulled by four horses to Tooke's house in Wimbledon every Sunday for dinner.

William Bosville had a lot of money and was very generous. He loved to host guests. Every weekday, he would invite friends for dinner at his Welbeck Street house. The group never had more than twelve people, and dinner always started exactly at five o'clock.

He had a special slate in his hall where close friends could write their names to join dinner. Famous guests included John Horne Tooke, Sir Francis Burdett, 5th Baronet, and others. Bosville believed it was "better never than late." If a friend arrived even a few minutes late, the servant would not let them in, saying the master was "busy dining." Even when his health got worse, he continued his dinner parties. On the very morning he died, he still planned dinner for the usual time.

Death and Legacy

William Bosville passed away on December 10, 1813, at his home in Welbeck Street. He was 68 years old and had never married. He was buried on December 21 in the church of St Giles in the Fields.

In his will, he left almost all his money and estates to his nephew, Colonel Hon. Godfrey Macdonald (later Godfrey Macdonald, 3rd Baron Macdonald of Slate). In 1814, Godfrey changed his last name to Bosville, as requested in the will. Later, in 1824, he changed it again to Bosville-Macdonald. Godfrey was the second son of William's sister, Elizabeth Diana Bosville, and her husband Sir Alexander Macdonald.

Images for kids

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  William Bosville leading a procession for his candidate James Paull in the 1806 Westminster Election. From a cartoon by James Gillray.

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  Bosville (far right) at the Hustings for the Westminster Election in November 1806. He is supporting his candidate James Paull (wearing a green coat), with other supporters like Sir Francis Burdett, 5th Baronet and William Cobbett. A cartoon by James Gillray.

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  The Bosville family's coat of arms.