William Capell, 4th Earl of Essex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Essex
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|---|---|
| Master of the Staghounds | |
| In office 1770–1782 |
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| Preceded by | The Viscount Galway |
| Succeeded by | Post abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Anne Holles Capell
7 October 1732 Turin |
| Died | 4 March 1799 (aged 66) St James's Palace, Westminster |
| Spouses |
Frances Hanbury-Williams
(m. 1754; died 1759)Harriet Bladen
(m. 1767) |
| Children | 7 |
| Parents | William Capell, 3rd Earl of Essex Lady Elizabeth Russell |
| Relatives | Algernon Capell, 2nd Earl of Essex (grandfather) Wriothesley Russell, 2nd Duke of Bedford (grandfather) |
William Anne Holles Capell, 4th Earl of Essex (born October 7, 1732 – died March 4, 1799) was an important British noble. He owned a lot of land and was a member of the House of Lords. This was a powerful part of the British Parliament.
Early Life
William Capell was born in Turin on October 7, 1732. His father was William Capell, 3rd Earl of Essex. His mother was Lady Elizabeth Russell.
He had several older half-sisters from his father's first marriage. These included Lady Charlotte Capell and Lady Mary Capell.
His grandfathers were also important figures. They were Algernon Capell, 2nd Earl of Essex and Wriothesley Russell, 2nd Duke of Bedford.
His Important Roles
In January 1743, when William was only ten years old, he became the 4th Earl of Essex. This meant he inherited his father's titles and estates.
When he turned 21 in 1753, he joined the House of Lords. This is where important laws were discussed and made.
From 1755 to 1769, he worked for King George II as a Lord of the Bedchamber. This was a special role helping the King. He did this again for King George III from 1782 to 1799.
Lord Essex also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire. This meant he was the King's main representative in that area from 1764 to 1771.
In 1770, he became the last Master of the Staghounds. This was a role related to royal hunting.
Family Life
On August 1, 1754, the Earl of Essex married Frances Hanbury Williams. She was the daughter of Charles Hanbury Williams.
They had three children together:
- Lady Elizabeth Capell (1755–1834)
- George Capell-Coningsby, 5th Earl of Essex (1757–1839)
- Lady Frances Capell (1759–1759), who sadly died very young.
A famous artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds, painted a picture of George and Elizabeth in 1768. This painting is now in a museum in New York.
After Frances passed away in 1759, he married Harriet Bladen on March 2, 1767. Harriet was the daughter of Colonel Thomas Bladen.
With Harriet, he had four more children:
- John Thomas Capell (1769–1819)
- Thomas Edward Capell (1770–1855), who became a general.
- William Robert Capell (1775–1854)
- Bladen Thomas Capell (1776–1853), who became a Vice-Admiral in the navy.
Lord Essex died on March 4, 1799, at St James's Palace in Westminster.
