Sir Robert Long, 6th Baronet

Sir Robert Long, 6th Baronet (1705 – 10 February 1767), was an English politician.

Monument in the church of St James, Draycot Cerne, sculpture by Joseph Wilton

The only surviving son of Sir James Long, 5th Baronet and his wife Henrietta Greville, Long was baptised on 8 November 1705 at St Martin in the Fields, Westminster, London. Educated at Balliol College, Oxford, he succeeded his father as 6th Baronet on 16 March 1729, and inherited the family estates, including the manors of Draycot and Athelhampton.

He was elected Member of Parliament for the rotten borough of Wootton Bassett in 1734, and for Wiltshire in 1741.

He married on 29 May 1735 at Woodford, Essex, Emma Child, the daughter of Richard Tylney, 1st Earl Tylney, of Wanstead (said to be possessed of 'almost revolting wealth'), and his wife Dorothy Glynn.

Sir Robert and Emma had two daughters and four sons including:

Many letters written by Sir Robert to his wife are held in the Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office, and furnish a picture of a happy marriage in the eighteenth century, illustrating a genuine affection for his wife, and fatherly love for his children, with nicknames such as 'Jemmy' and 'Dolly'. He had good-natured relationships with his dependants, even going so far as choosing material for a new dress for Lady Emma's companion.

Sir Robert Long died on 10 February 1767 and was buried at Draycot. His wife died on 8 March 1758.

Further reading

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  • Nicol, Cheryl (2016). Inheriting the Earth: The Long Family's 500 Year Reign in Wiltshire. Hobnob Press. ISBN 1906978379.
  • Hand of Fate. The History of the Longs, Wellesleys and the Draycot Estate in Wiltshire. Tim Couzens 2001 OCLC 49204947

Sources

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  • The Lion and the Rose - Ethel M. Richardson, 1922
Parliament of Great Britain
Preceded by Member of Parliament for Wootton Bassett
1734–1741
Served alongside: Nicholas Robinson
Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of Parliament for Wiltshire
1741–1767
Served alongside: Edward Popham
Succeeded by
Baronetage of England
Preceded by Baronet
of Westminster
1729–1767
Succeeded by