William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Bessborough
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
William Ponsonby by Sir Joshua Reynolds
|
|
| Born | 1704 |
| Died | 11 March 1793 (aged 88–89) |
| Spouse(s) | Caroline Cavendish |
| Issue |
|
| Father | Brabazon Ponsonby, 1st Earl of Bessborough |
| Mother | Sarah Margetson |
William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough (1704 – 11 March 1793) was an important British politician and public servant. He was a member of the British and Irish nobility, known as a peer. This meant he had a special rank in society and could be part of the House of Lords, which is like a part of the government. William Ponsonby also served in the House of Commons, another part of the government, in both Ireland and Britain. He held many important jobs, including helping to manage the navy, the country's money, and even the postal service.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Ponsonby was born in 1704. He was the son of Brabazon Ponsonby, 1st Earl of Bessborough, and his mother was Sarah Margetson. He also had a younger brother named John Ponsonby. William went to Trinity College Dublin for his education.
William Ponsonby's Political Career
William Ponsonby had a long and active career in politics. He started in the Irish House of Commons, which was a law-making group in Ireland.
Joining the Irish Parliament
In 1725, William Ponsonby became a representative for Newtownards in the Irish House of Commons. Two years later, in 1727, he was elected to represent County Kilkenny. He kept this job until 1758. During this time, from 1741 to 1745, he worked as the Chief Secretary for Ireland. This was a very important role, helping to run things in Ireland. His father-in-law was the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland at the time, which was the King's main representative.
Serving in the British Government
William Ponsonby also served in the British government. He was a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty starting in 1746. This meant he helped manage the British Navy. He held this position for ten years. After that, in 1756, he became a Lord Commissioner of the Treasury, helping to manage the country's money.
While working in these roles, he also represented different areas in the British House of Commons. He was a representative for Derby from 1742 to 1754, then for Saltash from 1754 to 1756, and finally for Harwich from 1756 to 1758.
Becoming a Peer
In 1758, when his father passed away, William Ponsonby inherited his father's noble titles. This meant he became the 2nd Earl of Bessborough. He then joined the House of Lords, which is a different part of the British Parliament, made up of nobles.
Leading the Postal Service
In 1759, William Ponsonby took on another big job: Postmaster General of Great Britain. This meant he was in charge of the entire postal service for the country. He shared this role with another person, Robert Hampden-Trevor, 1st Viscount Hampden.
He left this job in 1762 when his brother-in-law, William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire, was removed from his position. However, William Ponsonby was asked to return to the Postmaster General role in 1765. He served again until 1766, when he finally resigned.
When William Ponsonby passed away on March 11, 1793, his son, Frederick Ponsonby, became the 3rd Earl of Bessborough.
William Ponsonby's Family Life
William Ponsonby married Lady Caroline Cavendish on July 5, 1739. Lady Caroline was the oldest daughter of William Cavendish, 3rd Duke of Devonshire. She passed away in 1760 when she was 40 years old.
William and Caroline had three children who grew up:
- Lady Catherine Ponsonby (born 1742), who married Aubrey Beauclerk, 5th Duke of St Albans.
- Lady Charlotte Ponsonby (born 1747), who married William Fitzwilliam, 4th Earl Fitzwilliam.
- Frederick Ponsonby, 3rd Earl of Bessborough (1758–1844), who inherited his father's titles.
William Ponsonby also had a beautiful home built for him in 1750. It was called Parkstead House and was located in Roehampton. Today, this historic house is part of Roehampton University.
