George Cholmondeley, 3rd Earl Of Cholmondeley

George Cholmondeley, 3rd Earl of Cholmondeley (born January 2, 1703 – died June 10, 1770), was a British nobleman and politician associated with the Whig party. He was initially styled as Viscount Malpas from 1725 until 1733. Cholmondeley's political career included service in the House of Commons from 1724 to 1733, after which he succeeded his father in the peerage and became a member of the House of Lords.

Family and Early Life:

He was the son of George Cholmondeley, 2nd Earl of Cholmondeley, and Elizabeth van Ruyterburgh (or Ruttenburg). Details regarding his early education are not specified in the provided information.

Political Career:

Cholmondeley was elected as a Member of Parliament for East Looe in 1724, serving until 1727. Subsequently, he represented Windsor from 1727 to 1733. In 1733, he inherited the title of Earl of Cholmondeley upon the death of his father and transitioned to the House of Lords.

He held several governmental positions, notably under his father-in-law, Sir Robert Walpole. From 1727 to 1729, he served as a Lord of the Admiralty. Later, he was a Lord of the Treasury from 1735 to 1736, and from 1736 to 1743, he served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, including the period from 1742 to 1743 during the premiership of The Earl of Wilmington. Between 1743 and 1744, he was Lord Privy Seal under Henry Pelham. Additionally, he was a Joint Vice-Treasurer of Ireland from 1744 to 1757.

In 1736, Cholmondeley was admitted to the Privy Council. His military ranks included promotion to colonel in 1745, major-general in 1755, and lieutenant-general in 1759. He was also Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire and South Wales (excluding Denbighshire) from 1733 to 1760.

Other Activities:

Beyond politics, Cholmondeley participated in charitable endeavors, notably contributing to the establishment of a home for foundlings in London, known as the Foundling Hospital. He served on its board as a founding Governor.

Personal Life:

In 1723, he married Lady Mary Walpole, daughter of Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford, who was the Prime Minister of Great Britain. Lord Cholmondeley's son, George Cholmondeley, Viscount Malpas, predeceased him. Cholmondeley's grandson, also named George, succeeded him and was later created Marquess of Cholmondeley in 1815.

His second son, Robert (1727–1804), served as a lieutenant in the 3rd Foot Guards before resigning after the Battle of Lauffeld in July 1747 and later became a minister. Robert was married to Mary Woffington, a socialite.

Maria Nossiter, an actress and daughter of Cholmondeley's housekeeper, is believed to have been his daughter due to her education, financial independence, and brief career, although this is not definitively confirmed.

Death:

George Cholmondeley, 3rd Earl of Cholmondeley, died on June 10, 1770, at the age of 67.