William Finch (diplomat) facts for kids
William Finch (born January 18, 1691, died December 25, 1766) was an important British diplomat and politician. He was a member of the Whig party and served in the House of Commons, which is like the main law-making body in Britain, from 1727 to 1761. He held a special job in the Royal Household for over 20 years.
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Early Life and Education
William Finch was born into a well-known family. His father was Daniel Finch, 2nd Earl of Nottingham, and his mother was Anne Hatton. When he was 16, William went to Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university. Later, in 1710, he also studied law at a place called Inner Temple.
A Career in Diplomacy and Politics
William Finch started his career in diplomacy, which means representing his country in other nations.
Early Diplomatic Roles
From 1719 to 1720, William worked as a secretary for Lord Carteret, who was the British ambassador to Sweden. After Lord Carteret returned home, William took over his role and became the official envoy (a type of diplomat) to Sweden until 1724. After that, he served as the envoy to the Netherlands until 1728.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1727, William Finch was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for a place called Cockermouth. An MP is someone elected by the people to represent them in the House of Commons and help make laws. He usually voted with the government at first.
He went on another diplomatic mission to the Netherlands from 1733 to 1734. Some people thought he wasn't always the most active diplomat. Because of this, another diplomat, Horace Walpole, was sent to the Netherlands for a special mission. William Finch felt a bit upset by this and asked to come home.
Joining the Opposition
After returning to Britain, William Finch was re-elected as MP for Cockermouth in 1734. He then joined the group of politicians who opposed the government led by Robert Walpole, who was a very powerful prime minister at the time. He was elected again in 1741.
Royal Household Role
After Walpole's government fell in 1742, William and his brother Edward got important jobs in the Royal Household. William became the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household and a member of the Privy Council. Being on the Privy Council meant he was a trusted advisor to the King. He kept this important job until 1765. He continued to be elected as MP for Cockermouth in 1747.
In 1755, William Finch was elected as MP for Bewdley. He did not run for election again after that. In 1765, he retired from his job in the Royal Household due to health reasons.
Family Life
William Finch was married twice.
First Marriage
On January 25, 1733, he married Lady Anne Douglas. Sadly, she passed away on October 26, 1741, and they did not have any children.
Second Marriage and Children
On August 9, 1746, William married his second wife, Charlotte Fermor. They had five children together:
- Charlotte Finch (born 1747)
- Sophia Finch (born 1748), who later married Captain Charles Fielding
- Frances Finch (1749–1765)
- Henrietta Finch (born 1750)
- George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea (1752–1826), who later became an Earl.
William's second wife, Charlotte, was also a governess to the royal children, meaning she helped educate them. William Finch passed away on December 25, 1766, and his son George inherited his family title.
