John Hedworth
John Hedworth | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Chester Deanery, Durham, England |
| Died | May 31, 1747 (aged 63) |
| Occupation(s) | Coal mine proprietor, legislator |
| Years active | 1713–1747 (Member of Parliament) |
| Known for | British coal mine proprietor; Member of Parliament for County Durham (1713–1747) |
John Hedworth (10 July 1683 – 31 May 1747), hailing from Chester Deanery, Durham, was a notable British coal mine proprietor and legislator who represented his constituency in the House of Commons continuously for 34 years, spanning from 1713 until his death in 1747.
Early life
Baptized on 10 July 1683, Hedworth was the eldest surviving child of Ralph Hedworth of Chester Deanery and Eleanor Lambton, whose father was Henry Lambton of Lambton Hall, Durham. His lineage was distinguished for their significant involvement in Sunderland's coal industry. At the age of 16, he enrolled at Lincoln College, Oxford on 18 March 1700 and joined Middle Temple that same year. Upon his father's passing in 1705, he came into possession of the family estates and coal mining operations. On 28 August 1714, he entered into marriage with Susanna Sophia Pleasant, daughter of William Pleasant, a merchant based in London.
Career
In 1711, coal proprietors from Northumberland solicited assistance from their Durham counterparts to oppose a parliamentary proposal aimed at limiting coal trade associations, identifying Hedworth as a central figure in this effort. He secured an uncontested election as Member of Parliament for County Durham during the 1713 general election. Although his parliamentary activity was limited, he voted against Richard Steele's expulsion in 1714 and resisted a petition advocating for free Tyne way-leaves. His political stance shifted between Whig and Tory affiliations over time.
During the 1715 general election, Hedworth was elected as a Whig but frequently sided with the Opposition. He held the office of Mayor of Hartlepool from 1716 to 1717. Subsequent re-elections in 1722 and 1727 saw him notably oppose the Government’s Excise Bill in 1733. He served another term as Mayor of Hartlepool from 1728 to 1729 and was granted freeman status in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1731. Following the 1734 general election, he backed the Government on the Spanish convention in 1739 but opposed them regarding the place bill in 1740. He undertook a third mayoral term in Hartlepool between 1740 and 1741 and was re-elected again in the 1741 general election. By 1742, he aligned with Pelham’s faction, casting selective votes supporting the Government and was regarded as an Old Whig by 1746.
Later life and legacy
On 14 August 1729, Hedworth married Margaret Ayton, daughter of Samuel Ayton from West Herrington, county Durham. He passed away from severe colic on 31 May 1747. From his two marriages, he fathered one daughter each: Eleanor and Elizabeth, both inheriting his properties. Eleanor wed Sir Richard Hylton, 5th Baronet (previously Musgrave); their daughter Eleanor united with William Jolliffe and became mother to Hylton Jolliffe. Elizabeth married Sir Ralph Milbanke, 5th Baronet MP.