William Widdrington, 4th Baron Widdrington facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable The Lord Widdrington
Born	1678 England
Died	19 April 1743 (aged 64 – 65) England

William Widdrington, 4th Baron Widdrington (born 1678, died 19 April 1743) was an English nobleman. He lost his important titles and lands because he was involved in a rebellion called the Jacobite rising of 1715.

Early Life and Family Background

William Widdrington was born in England in 1678. His father was William Widdrington, the 3rd Baron Widdrington. When his father passed away in 1695, William inherited his father's title and family lands.

The Widdrington family was strongly Roman Catholic. William went to a special school in Paris run by Jesuits, who are a group within the Catholic Church. Growing up, he became a strong supporter of the Stuart family's claim to be the rightful kings and queens of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Taking Part in the Jacobite Rebellion

William Widdrington joined the Jacobite rising of 1715. This was a rebellion where people tried to put the Stuart family back on the throne. William and two of his brothers were captured during the Battle of Preston.

After being captured, William was found guilty of a very serious crime against the king. He was sentenced to death. However, his wife, Catherine Graham, stepped in and helped him. Because of her actions, William was saved from execution.

Even though he was not executed, William lost his noble title and all his family lands. He was allowed to live quietly in the town of Bath.

Family Life

In 1700, William Widdrington married Jane Tempest. They lived at a place called Stella Hall in Blaydon-on-Tyne, Northumberland. Jane passed away in 1714.

Later, in 1718, William married Catherine Graham. She was the daughter of Richard Graham, 1st Viscount Preston. In 1739, Catherine and her sister inherited a large estate called Nunnington Hall in Yorkshire.

William Widdrington died on 19 April 1743. He was buried in his wife's family tomb at Nunnington Parish Church. A special stone was put up to remember him. It mentioned his part in the Jacobite rebellion by calling it "the affair at Preston."

William had a son named Henry Francis Widdrington. Henry tried to get the family title back, but he died in 1774. After his death, this part of the Widdrington family ended. William's brother Peregrine and his sister-in-law Maria, Duchess of Norfolk, were also strong supporters of the Jacobite cause.