William Edwardes, 1st Baron Kensington facts for kids
William Edwardes, who lived from about 1711 to 1801, was an important landowner. He owned a large estate called Johnston Hall in Pembrokeshire, Wales. He was also a Member of Parliament for a very long time. This meant he helped make laws for Britain.
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Early Life and Family Wealth
William Edwardes was born into a wealthy family. His father, Francis Edwardes, was also a Member of Parliament. His mother, Lady Elizabeth Rich, came from another very rich family. She was the only daughter of Robert Rich, the 5th Earl of Warwick.
The Edwardes family owned a lot of land. Their estates were in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Cardiganshire. When William's cousin, the 7th Earl of Warwick, passed away in 1721, William inherited even more land. He also inherited estates from the Rich family, including a famous house called Holland House in Kensington.
Becoming a Baron
In 1776, William Edwardes was given a special title. He became Baron Kensington in the Peerage of Ireland. A "peerage" is a system of titles like Baron, Earl, or Duke. This title had been held by the Earls of Warwick before. But it had ended when the last Earl died in 1759. William's new title brought it back.
His Time in Parliament
William Edwardes followed in his father's footsteps. He was elected to represent Haverfordwest in Parliament in 1747. He held this important job for a very long time, until 1801. There was a short break between 1784 and 1786.
His position as a Member of Parliament for Haverfordwest was quite special. It was based on an agreement with Lord Milford. Lord Milford's family treated Haverfordwest like a "pocket borough." This meant they had a lot of control over who was elected there.
Family Life and Successor
Lord Kensington was married twice. His first wife was his cousin, Rachel Edwardes. She passed away in 1760. In 1762, he married Elizabeth Warren.
Lord Kensington passed away in 1801. His only son, also named William, took over his title. He became the 2nd Baron Kensington. His son also took his place as the Member of Parliament for Haverfordwest. Lady Kensington, his second wife, passed away in 1814.
