Sir Hugh Williams, 8th Baronet
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Sir Hugh Williams | |
|---|---|
| Member of Parliament for Beaumaris | |
| In office 1785–1794 | |
| Preceded by | Hon. Hugh Fortescue |
| Succeeded by | Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn |
| In office 1768–1780 | |
| Preceded by | Richard Thelwall Price |
| Succeeded by | Sir George Warren |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Hugh Williams 1718 |
| Died | 19 August 1794 (aged 75–76) |
| Spouse(s) |
Emma née Rowlands, Viscountess Bulkeley
(m. 1760; died 1770) |
| Relations | Viscount Bulkeley |
| Children | Sir Robert Williams |
| Parent(s) | Colonel Griffith Williams Mary née Williams |
Sir Hugh Williams, 8th Baronet (1718 – 19 August 1794), was a British Army officer and landowner in Wales, who sat in the House of Commons between 1768 and 1794.[1]
Born in 1718, the son of Colonel Griffith Williams of Arianws, near Llangelynnin, Caernarvonshire and, his wife, Mary, daughter of Robert Williams,[2] he was commissioned into the British Army in 1739.
Promoted Captain in the 34th Foot in 1744, he succeeded to the baronetcy on the death of his cousin Sir Robert Williams, 7th Baronet, in November 1745.[3]
Career
In 1756 Sir Hugh was a Major in the 6th Foot at Menorca when the garrison was attacked in that year. In 1759 Williams was serving in a Volunteer Battalion of the 85th Foot.[4]
Correspondence indicates that Sir Hugh was becoming involved in politics in Beaumaris, partly in the interest of his stepson Thomas Bulkeley, but was hindered by the secrecy of his marriage (due to his father-in-law's disapproval of Williams).
In the course of these dealings, he was promoted Lieutenant Colonel of the 53rd Foot in 1761 and appointed Constable of Beaumaris Castle in July 1761. However, his regiment being stationed at Gibraltar, Williams was ordered to return to military duties on the European continent. Williams disliked the climate and requested to be transferred to a regiment at home. As this was refused Sir Hugh retired from the Army on half-pay in December 1764 to take care of affairs at Beaumaris.[3]
Political career
In 1768 Williams was elected Member of Parliament for Beaumaris but made little contribution. His stepson Thomas Bulkeley joined him in Parliament in 1774 and was encouraging him to take a greater interest. However he found parliamentary business tiresome and stood down in 1780.[3]
Returned as MP for Beaumaris at a by-election in 1785 Williams retained the seat until his death on 19 August 1794.[3]