William Ponsonby, 1st Baron de Mauley facts for kids
William Francis Spencer Ponsonby (born 31 July 1787, died 16 May 1855) was an important English politician. He belonged to the Whig political group. He worked in the House of Commons, which is a main part of the British Parliament, from 1826 to 1837. In 1838, he was given a special noble title and became the first Baron de Mauley.
Early Life and Family
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William Ponsonby was the youngest child in his family. His father was the 3rd Earl of Bessborough. His mother was Henrietta Ponsonby, Countess of Bessborough.
Political Career
Ponsonby started his political journey in 1826. He was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for a place called Poole. An MP is a person elected to represent people in the House of Commons. He held this job until 1831.
In 1831, he lost his seat in an election to Lord Ashley. But he soon became an MP again. From June to December 1832, he represented Knaresborough.
Later in 1832, during the general election, he was elected MP for Dorset. He kept this role until 1837.
Baron de Mauley
On 10 July 1838, William Ponsonby received a special honor. He was given the title of Baron de Mauley. This title was linked to a place called Canford in the County of Dorset. Being a Baron meant he became a member of the Peerage, which is a group of people with noble titles.
Community Work
While he was an MP for Poole, William Ponsonby did something important for the community. In 1830, he worked with Benjamin Lester to open Poole's very first public library. This helped many people in the town to read and learn.
His Family
On 8 August 1814, William Ponsonby married Lady Barbara Ashley-Cooper. She was the only daughter of the 5th Earl of Shaftesbury. Lady Barbara also had a connection to a very old noble title called the Barony of Mauley. William and Barbara had three children:
- Hon. Charles Frederick Ashley Cooper (1815–1896), who later became the 2nd Baron de Mauley.
- Hon. Frances Anne Georgiana (1817–1910), who married George Kinnaird, 9th Lord Kinnaird.
- Hon. Ashley George John (1831–1898).
