William Petty FitzMaurice

Wiiliam Petty FitzMaurice (May 2nd 1737, Dublin - May 7th 1805, Berkeley Public garden, London), British statesman, it is known under the name of count Shelburne of 1761 to 1784 dates to which it is made Marquis de Lansdowne, transmitted by his wife Sophia Carteret girl of John Carteret, 2nd count Granville by heritage of the Granville family.

Wire of John FitzMaurice, 1st count de Kerry (Ireland) and of Anne Petty, girl and heiress of William Petty. William Petty not having more male descendant, it transmits her name and the titles of her son to John, who becomes count de Shelburne. It will be then made FitzMaurice Viscount in 1751 and count de Shelburne in 1753.

After studies with Christ Church (Oxford) of the University of Oxford, it enters the army to be used for the Seven year old War as colonel and Aide-de-camp of the king (1760). He is elected appointed of Wycombe in 1761 and between to the Room of Communes, but the death of his/her father directs it to the House of Lords like 2nd count de Shelburne and baron de Wycombe.

It joined then gouvernenment of Grenville in 1763, as President of the Commission commercial. In the government of William Pitt, it obtains the load of Secretary of State (1766 - 1768), where it follows a policy of conciliation towards the colonies of America. George III of Large-Brittany apréccie hardly the turning of the event. Shelburne must resign.

In 1782, he agree to integrate the government of Lord Rockingham if the king recognizes the United States. During his mandate, Lord Rockingham dies; Shelburne replaces it like Prime Minister. Its private bill on the free trade between England and the United States the met in difficulty vis-a-vis the opposition of Fox and Lord North. It must resign in 1783. Cynical and liberal, Lord Shelburne was often décrié and unpopular, but with the passing, it seems to have been a statesman visionary. One thinks that it would be at the origin of the Advertiser Public (1769-1772) or Letters of Junius of the name of the signatory, denouncing the policy of George III and her government, in particular with respect to the United States.

Of its first marriage with Lady Sophia Carteret, it has a son, John, 2nd marquis de Lansdowne and member of the House of Commons during 20 years for the delegation of Chipping Wycombe. John will not have a descent. Of its second marriage with Lady Louisa FitzPatrick (1755-1789), it will have a son heir, the 3rd marquis de Lansdowne.

External bonds

Biography on the site of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Simple: William Petty, 2nd Earl off Shelburne

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