William Irby, 1st Baron Boston facts for kids
William Irby, 1st Baron Boston (born March 8, 1707 – died March 30, 1775) was an important British nobleman and a member of the British Parliament. He held several significant roles in the royal court and helped make laws for the country.
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Early Life and Family
William Irby was born in 1707. His father was Sir Edward Irby, 1st Baronet. When his father passed away in 1718, William inherited his special family title, becoming the 2nd Baronet. This meant he continued a noble family line.
On August 26, 1746, William Irby married Albinia Selwyn. They had three children together. Two of their children were:
- Augusta Georgina Elizabeth Irby (born July 15, 1747)
- William Henry Irby (born August 29, 1750)
Serving the Royal Family
William Irby spent many years working for the British royal family. He was a Page of Honour for both King George I and King George II. A Page of Honour was a young attendant to the King, a bit like a special assistant.
Later, he became an equerry to Frederick, Prince of Wales, who was the son of King George II. An equerry was an officer who looked after the royal horses and accompanied the Prince. William Irby held this role from 1728 to 1736.
He also worked closely with the Prince's wife, Princess Augusta. He was her Vice-Chamberlain from 1736 to 1751, which meant he helped manage her household. After that, he became her Lord Chamberlain from 1751 until 1772, a very important position overseeing her entire court.
A Member of Parliament
Besides his work for the royal family, William Irby was also a Member of Parliament (MP). This meant he was elected by people to represent them and help create laws for the country.
He served as an MP for two different areas:
- For Launceston from 1735 to 1747
- For Bodmin from 1747 to 1761
In 1761, William Irby received an even higher honor. He was made a Baron Boston, of Boston in the County of Lincoln. This meant he became a peer, a member of the nobility with a seat in the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. He also became the Lord of the Manor of Hedsor in 1764, which gave him special rights over that land.
Later Life and Legacy
William Irby, 1st Baron Boston, passed away in 1775 when he was 68 years old. He was buried in Whiston, Northamptonshire. His life showed how someone could serve both the royal family and the country through Parliament, holding important positions and earning a noble title.
