Herbert Mackworth
Herbert Mackworth | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Wales |
| Died | August 20, 1765 (aged 77) |
| Occupation(s) | Landowner, coal proprietor, politician |
| Years active | 1739–1765 (MP) |
| Known for | Tory Member of Parliament for Cardiff Boroughs |
Herbert Mackworth (7 September 1687 – 20 August 1765) was a prominent Welsh landowner, proprietor of coal enterprises, and a Tory politician who represented his constituency in the House of Commons from 1739 until his death in 1765.
Early life
Born to Sir Humphrey Mackworth of Gnoll, Glamorganshire—who served as MP for Cardiganshire—and Mary Evans, daughter of Sir Herbert Evans of Gnoll, Mackworth received his education at Westminster School. He enrolled at Magdalen College, Oxford in 1704 and was admitted to the Inner Temple four years later in 1708. Following his father’s passing in 1727, he inherited the Gnoll estate, which included extensive coal mining and copper smelting operations located in the Neath valley. On 24 April 1730, he wed Juliana Digby, daughter of William Digby, 5th Baron Digby.
Career
In a by-election held on 16 February 1739, Mackworth was elected without opposition as the Tory Member of Parliament for Cardiff Boroughs. Throughout his parliamentary tenure, he regularly voted against the Administration, except when he opposed the dismissal of Walpole in February 1741. He secured re-election unchallenged in the general elections of 1741, 1747, 1754, and 1761. Although he supported the Grenville government and stood against Rockingham’s faction, Mackworth did not make any recorded speeches during his time in Parliament.
Death and legacy
Herbert Mackworth passed away on 20 August 1765, survived by one son and six daughters. His son Herbert succeeded him as Cardiff’s MP and was granted a baronetcy in 1776. Among his daughters, Susanna married Sir John Hotham, 9th Baronet, who also served as Bishop of Clogher. Another daughter, Frances, entered into three marriages: first with Alexander, 5th Lord Falconer of Halkerton; then Anthony Browne, 7th Viscount Montagu; and finally Henry Slaughter M.D., with all nuptials conducted at St George's, Hanover Square.