Robert Benson, Lord Bingley

Robert Benson, Baron Bingley of Bingley in Yorkshire, politician, was buried on 14th April 1731 in St Paul's chapel in Westminster Abbey. He has no monument or gravestone. A certificate for his burial in woollen survives in the Abbey archives.

His life

He was the only son of Robert Benson of Wrenthorpe and his wife Dorothy (Jenkins). She later married Sir Henry Belasyse and her son was buried with her. Robert junior was educated at Cambridge and visited Italy. In 1702 he was Member of Parliament for Thetford in Norfolk and later for York. He was commissioner, chancellor and under treasurer of the exchequer and was created a Baron in 1713. Although appointed as ambassador to the Court of Spain he never left England. He was also interested in architecture and designed Bramham Park in Yorkshire. On 21st December 1703 he married Lady Elizabeth Finch at St Giles in the Fields church in London. She was buried with him on 11th March 1757. They lived in Park Prospect, Westminster.

His legitimate daughter Harriet married George (Lane) Fox, who later became Baron Bingley. She was baptised at St Margaret's Westminster in February 1705 and married George at Somerset House chapel. Their only son died before his father. Harriet was buried on 13th April 1771 with her parents.

Robert's illegitimate daughter was Mary Johnson. A possible sister, or other relative, was buried in the chapel on 15th February 1699 and was just called Mrs Benson.

Further Reading

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

History of Parliament online