William Trumbull facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir William Trumbull
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A 1724 mezzotint of Trumbull
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| Born | 8 September 1639 Easthampstead Park, Berkshire
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| Died | 14 December 1716 (aged 77) Easthampstead Park, Berkshire
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| Occupation | Diplomat, politician |
Sir William Trumbull (born September 8, 1639 – died December 14, 1716) was an important English diplomat and politician. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. A politician helps make laws and run the government. Sir William was also part of a group called the First Whig Junto, which was a powerful political group in England at the time.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Trumbull was born at Easthampstead Park in Berkshire, England. He was baptized on September 11, 1639. His family had a history of working for the government. His grandfather, also named William Trumbull, was a diplomat during the time of King James I. William's mother was Elizabeth Weckerlin. Her father, George Rudolph Weckerlin, was a Latin Secretary for King Charles I. This means he helped the King with official letters written in Latin.
William learned Latin and French from his grandfather. In 1649, he went to Wokingham School. Later, he attended St John's College, Oxford in 1655. He became a fellow at All Souls' College, Oxford in 1657. A fellow is like a senior member or researcher at a college. He also studied law at the Middle Temple in London. In 1659, he earned a degree in Civil Law.
After finishing his studies, William traveled through France and Italy. He met many important people during his travels. These included famous lords like Lord Sunderland and Lord Godolphin. He also met Algernon Sidney and Henry Compton. In 1664 and 1665, he traveled with famous architect Sir Christopher Wren. In 1667, William Trumbull earned a higher degree, a Doctorate of Civil Law.
Sir William's Career
In 1668, William Trumbull became a lawyer in London. He worked in courts that handled church matters and sea law. For about 15 years, he was a very respected lawyer. In 1671, he became a chancellor for the diocese of Rochester. This was a church position, and he was helped by his father-in-law, Sir Charles Cotterell.
Working for the King
In 1683, William Trumbull was chosen to be the Judge Advocate of the Fleet. This meant he was a legal advisor for the navy. He went on an expedition to Tangier, a British colony. His job was to help settle land agreements there. Samuel Pepys, a famous diarist, was also on this trip. Pepys wrote that Trumbull seemed surprised by his new legal role.
In 1684, King Charles II thought about making Trumbull a Secretary of State. This is a very high government position. Instead, he was offered a job as Secretary of War in Ireland, but he turned it down. However, he was made a knight in November 1684. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name. In 1685, he became the Clerk of the Deliveries of the Ordnance. This job involved managing military supplies.
A Member of Parliament
Sir William Trumbull also became a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the area of East Looe from 1685 to 1687. This meant he helped make laws in the English Parliament.
Soon after, King Charles II died. The new king, James II, sent Sir William to France as a special envoy. An envoy is a diplomat sent on a special mission. King James II was Catholic, and the French King Louis XIV was persecuting Protestants. Sir William was a strong Protestant, so it was an unusual choice. However, he worked hard to help English Protestants living in France.
In 1686, he was called back from Paris. In 1687, he was made Ambassador to Constantinople. Constantinople is now called Istanbul, in Turkey. He arrived there in August 1687 and stayed until July 1691. After this, Sir William was a Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company from 1696 to 1700. He also led the Turkey Company from 1696 to 1709. These companies were important for trade.
Retirement from Public Life
In 1694, Sir William was appointed a Commissioner of the Treasury. This meant he helped manage the country's money. A year later, he became a Privy Counsellor. This is a group of advisors to the King. He was also made Secretary of State for the Northern Department. This was a very important role in foreign affairs. However, he was not happy in this job. He resigned in December 1697 and retired from public life.
Friends in Literature
Sir William Trumbull was friends with famous writers like John Dryden and Alexander Pope. Dryden mentioned Trumbull in his translation of Virgil's Aeneid. He said that Trumbull's suggestions made the last part of the poem better.
It was Trumbull who encouraged Alexander Pope to translate all of Homer's works. Pope's poem "Spring" was also dedicated to Sir William. This shows how much these important writers respected him.
Family and Legacy
In 1670, Sir William Trumbull married Elizabeth Cotterell. She was the daughter of Sir Charles Cotterell. They did not have any children, and Elizabeth died in 1704. In 1706, Sir William married Judith Alexander in Scotland. She was the daughter of Henry Alexander, the 4th Earl of Stirling. They had two children: Judith (who died young) and William.
Sir William Trumbull passed away on December 14, 1716. He was buried at Easthampstead church. His monument there says he was an "able statesman." This means he was a very skilled and wise leader in government.
His son, William, had one daughter. She married the Hon. Martin Sandys. Through her, Sir William Trumbull became an ancestor of the later Marquesses of Downshire.
Letters and Connections
Many of Sir William Trumbull's letters are kept in the British Library in London. He was good friends with Pierre Bayle, a famous French philosopher. Sir William also mentored a young man named Henry St. John. Henry St. John later became Viscount Bolingbroke, a very important politician. It is possible that Henry St. John met his good friend, Alexander Pope, through Sir William Trumbull.
Images for kids
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A 1724 mezzotint of Trumbull
