Biography of William Fitzherbert 1712-1772

On 29th December 1709 [his father] William Fitzherbert (age 38) and [his mother] Rachel Bagshaw were married at All Saint's Church, Bakewell, Derbyshire [Map].

In 1712 William Fitzherbert was born to William Fitzherbert (age 41) and Rachel Bagshaw.

In 1739 [his father] William Fitzherbert (age 68) died.

On 23rd June 1744 William Fitzherbert (age 32) and Mary Meynell (age 23) were married at Somersal Herbert, Derbyshire.

On 27th May 1748 [his son] William Fitzherbert 1st Baronet was born to William Fitzherbert (age 36) and [his wife] Mary Meynell (age 27).

On 1st March 1753 [his son] Alleyne Fitzherbert 1st Baron St Helens was born to William Fitzherbert (age 41).

On 12th March 1753 [his wife] Mary Meynell (age 32) died. Memorial at St Mary's Church, Tissington [Map].

Mary Meynell: Around 1721 she was born to Littleton Pointz Meynell. On 23rd June 1744 William Fitzherbert and she were married at Somersal Herbert, Derbyshire.

n 1761 William Fitzherbert (age 49) was elected MP Bramber which seat he held until April 1762.

On 5th May 1762 William Fitzherbert (age 50) was elected MP Derbyshire which seat he held util his death in 1772.

On or before 22nd August 1763, the date she was buried at St Mary's Church, Tissington [Map], [his mother] Rachel Bagshaw died.

On 2nd January 1772 William Fitzherbert (age 60) committed suicide due to pecuniary troubles. Memorial at St Mary's Church, Tissington [Map] where he was buried.

Letters of Horace Walpole. Arlington Street, Jan. 5, 1772.

Nothing but disasters, Madam, since my last. Poor Mr. Fitzherbert (deceased) hanged himself, on Wednesday. He went to see the convicts executed, that morning; and from thence, in his boots, to his son, having sent his groom out of the way. At three, his son said Sir, you are to dine at Mr. Buller's; it is time for you to go home and dress. He went to his own stable and hanged himself with a bridle. They say his circumstances were in great disorder. There have been deep doings at Almack's, but no body has retired into a stable. This paragraph, possibly, may be as old when you receive it, as if it was in the magazine, for my letter will not set out till Thursday, as I cannot yet tell you the whole of a tragedy that happened to myself this very morning— don't be frightened. Madam, I am not wind-bound on the banks of Styx, and waiting to send back my letter by Charon.