Hobart, John, 1593-1647

Epithet: of Sloane MS 2155

John Hobart was born about 1695, the son and heir of Sir Henry Hobart, 4th Baronet of Blickling, Norfolk, and his wife, Elizabeth, eldest daughter and coheir of Joseph Maynard. He married his first wife, Judith, the daughter and coheir of Robert Britiffe of Baconthorpe, Norfolk, Recorder of Norwich, on November 8, 1717. They had two children, Dorothy and John. Judith died on February 7, 1726/1727, and was buried at Blickling. A year later, on February 10, 1727/1728, Hobart married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Bristow, MP, in St. Paul's, London. They had two sons, George and Henry.

Hobart was educated at Clare Hall, Cambridge, and served as Member of Parliament (Whig) for St. Ives from 1715 to 1727, and for Norfolk from 1727-28. He was Vice-Admiral of Norfolk from 1719 until his death, one of the Lords of Trade from 1721-27, and Treasurer of the Chamber from 1727-1744. He served as Assay Master to the Duchy of Cornwall from 1730-38, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk from 1739 until his death, and Captain of the Gentlemen Pensioners from 1744 until his death.

Hobart assumed the baronetcy on August 21, 1698, and was made a Knight of the Bath on May 27, 1725. On May 28, 1728, he was created Baron Hobart of Blickling, Norfolk. His accession to the peerage is believed to be due to the influence of his sister, Henrietta, who was a mistress of George II. He was made a Privy Councillor on January 3 1744/1745, and First Earl of Buckinghamshire on September 5, 1746. John Hobart died in St. James Square, Middlesex, on September 22, 1756, and was succeeded by his son, John.