William Newland (MP) facts for kids
William Newland (born around 1685, died 1738) was an important British politician. He was a lawyer and a member of the Tory political group. Newland served in the House of Commons, which is part of the British Parliament, for many years, from 1710 until he passed away in 1738.
Early Life and Education
William Newland was born in 1685. His father, Sir George Newland, was a wealthy businessman in London. William had two older brothers, but they did not live long, so he became the eldest surviving son.
In 1703, when he was about 17 years old, William inherited a large estate called Gatton in Surrey. This estate was special because it controlled one of the seats in Parliament for the area of Gatton. This meant that whoever owned Gatton could often decide who would become the Member of Parliament (MP) for that area.
William went to St John's College, Oxford in 1703 to study. He also began studying law at a famous place called Inner Temple in the same year. He became a qualified lawyer in 1711. In 1710, he married Martha Shepeard.
Starting His Political Career
William Newland was a strong supporter of the Tory party. The Tories were one of the main political groups in Britain at the time.
As soon as he was old enough, Newland was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gatton in the 1710 general election. He was seen as a "worthy patriot" because he helped to find problems with how the previous government had managed things. He was also called a "Tory patriot" because he was against continuing a war that was happening at the time.
In the 1713 general election, he was re-elected for Gatton without anyone running against him. He also helped his father become an MP for the City of London. William Newland was very active in Parliament, always working hard for his beliefs.
Later Years in Parliament
William Newland continued to be re-elected as an MP for Gatton without any opposition in the 1715 general election.
After a change in the government, Newland and other Tories were removed from their roles as local officials in Surrey in 1716. Despite this, he continued to vote against the government's plans in Parliament. He was re-elected several more times, in 1722, 1727, and 1734. This shows he was a consistent voice for his political party and beliefs.
Death
William Newland passed away on May 4, 1738. He had three daughters. After his death, his brother, George Newland, took over his seat in Parliament for Gatton.
