William Mayne, 1st Baron Newhaven facts for kids

William Mayne, who lived from 1722 to 1794, was an important British businessman and politician. He was known as Sir William Mayne for a time before he became Lord Newhaven. He served in the British Parliament, called the House of Commons, from 1774 to 1790. He was also a member of the Privy Council of Ireland, which was a group of advisors to the King in Ireland.

Early Life and Business

William Mayne was born in 1722. He was the oldest son from his father's second marriage. His family had a business in Lisbon, Portugal, where he worked until 1757. After that, he moved back to England.

From 1757 to 1765, William Mayne was a director at the Royal Exchange Insurance Company. This company helped people protect their money and property. He was known as a successful merchant, or trader, for many years.

In 1758, he married Frances Allen. She was the daughter of a nobleman named Joshua Allen. Through this marriage, William Mayne gained a lot of land and property in Ireland.

Becoming a Politician

William Mayne really wanted to be a part of Parliament. In 1761, he tried to get elected in Canterbury, England, but he didn't win. However, in the same year, he was elected to the Irish House of Commons for a place called Carysfort. He held this position until 1776.

In 1763, he was given a special title called a Baronet. This meant he could be called Sir William Mayne. Later, in 1766, he joined the Privy Council of Ireland, becoming an important advisor.

He tried again to get into the British Parliament in 1768, but it was difficult to win against the powerful people already there.

Serving in Parliament

By 1774, William Mayne had found a way to get elected to the British House of Commons. He was elected for two different areas, Gatton and Canterbury, but he chose to represent Canterbury.

In 1776, he received an even higher title and became Baron Newhaven. This made him a member of the Peerage of Ireland, a group of high-ranking nobles.

In the 1780 election, he lost his seat in Canterbury. So, he decided to represent Gatton instead, and he also helped his younger brother, Robert Mayne, get elected there. After his brother passed away in 1782, William Mayne was elected for Gatton one last time in 1784.

In 1786, he sold his property in Gatton and decided not to run for Parliament again in 1790.

Later Life and Legacy

Lord Newhaven passed away in May 1794. He and his wife, Frances, had one son, but their son died when he was very young. Because of this, when Lord Newhaven died, his special titles of Baronet and Baron ended.

Even though his titles didn't continue, William Mayne's name is remembered in another way. A city in New Hampshire, USA, was originally named "Maynesborough" in his honor. Today, that city is known as Berlin, New Hampshire.

Images for kids

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  Newhaven's younger brother Robert Mayne (1724–1782), MP for Upper Gatton, by Joshua Reynolds, circa 1776.