CORNEWALL, Frederick (1706-88), of Delbury Hall, Diddlesbury, Salop

Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1754-1790, ed. L. Namier, J. Brooke., 1964
Available from Boydell and Brewer

Constituency

Dates

15 June 1771 - 1774

Family and Education

bap. 3 Aug. 1706, 3rd s. of Rev. Frederick Cornewall, vicar of Bromfield, Salop by his w. Elizabeth Trice. m. 2 May 1746, Mary, da. of Francis Herbert, M.P., of Oakley Park, Ludlow, a 2nd cos. of Lord Powis, 3s.

Offices Held

Lt. R.N. 1734; capt. 1744; lost an arm off Toulon, Feb. 1744.

Biography

Cornewall was returned to Parliament on Lord Powis’s interest. On 18 Oct. 1771 he wrote to his relative Charles Jenkinson:1

The Parliament, the news say, will not meet till after Christmas which I hope is true as I am by no means fond of London. I trust when I make my appearance in St. Stephen’s Chapel that you will take me by the hand.

On 5 Feb. 1773:2

The papers say there will be a call of the House in about a fortnight. If there is I beg you will excuse me. I cannot plead my health which is better than it has been for many years, which I attribute to the country air and exercise ... Though if your friend on the Treasury bench should want me, I will cheerfully attend as I look upon him to be a very honest, worthy man.

On 3 Dec. 1773:3

By a letter I received last post from Lord North desiring my attendance at the beginning of the sessions as things of importance were expected to come under consideration. I fear a long attendance may be detrimental to my health, as I never am well in the smoke of London ... If my coming for a few weeks will answer ... I will come up at the opening of the Parliament but if you think I can be excused I should be happy.

And on 27 Jan. 1774:4

Last post brought me a summons to attend the House ... I have pleaded want of health in answer to the sheriff’s letter ... If there is any occasion for my attendance I think it cannot be any ways detrimental to my health.

There is no record of his having spoken or voted in the House, but in Robinson’s two surveys on the royal marriage bill, March 1772, he is listed as ‘pro, present’.

Cornewall died 4 Aug. 1788.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Sir Lewis Namier

Notes

  • 1. Add. 38469, f. 288.
  • 2. Add. 38470, f. 116.
  • 3. Ibid. f. 128.
  • 4. Add. 38308, f. 33.