Robert Williams (11 February 1767 – 10 March 1847) was an English banker and politician.[1] He purchased the Bridehead estate near Dorchester, Dorset around 1797.[2] It comprised the manor of Littlebredy, Bridehead being a name fabricated by Williams,[3] and in later years became the main family residence.
Williams was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Wootton Bassett from 1802 to 1807.[4] On 17 March 1808 he was elected MP for Grampound after the previous election had been declared void on 7 March 1808. However he and John Teed were unseated on petition on 10 May 1808 in favour of George Augustus Frederick Cochrane the previous member and William Holmes.[5] Williams was then elected MP for Kilkenny City from 1809 to 1812,[6] and for Dorchester from 1812 to 1835.[7]
He married Frances Turner of Putney. His eldest son was Robert Williams (1811–1890).[8]
| Parliament of the United Kingdom | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by John Denison Edward Clarke |
Member of Parliament for Wootton Bassett 1802 – 1807 With: Henry St John to December 1802 Peter William Baker December 1802–1806 Robert Knight from 1806 |
Succeeded by Sir John Murray John Cheesment |
| Preceded by Charles Harward Butler |
Member of Parliament for Kilkenny City 1809 – 1812 |
Succeeded by Overington Blunden |
| Preceded by Andrew Cochrane-Johnstone George Cochrane |
Member of Parliament for Grampound March 1808 – May 1808 With: John Teed |
Succeeded by William Holmes George Cochrane |
| Preceded by Robert Williams Charles Henry Bouverie |
Member of Parliament for Dorchester 1812 – 1835 With: Charles Henry Bouverie to Dec 1812 William à Court Dec 1812–1814 Samuel Shepherd 1814–1819 Charles Warren 1819–1826 William Ashley-Cooper 1826–1830 Henry Sturt 1830 Lord Ashley 1830–1831 Anthony Henry Ashley-Cooper from 1831 |
Succeeded by Robert Williams Anthony Henry Ashley-Cooper |