William Rouse-Boughton

Who was William Rouse-Boughton?

Sir William Edward Rouse Boughton was a baronet and a member of the British House of Commons representing Evesham.

He was the only son of Sir Charles Rouse Boughton and his wife Catherine Pearce Hall. He is said to have attended Westminster School from 1803 to 1805, but the records are not clear. He then matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford and for several years he enjoyed a European tour until 1813. He was invited in 1818 to stand as member of Parliament for Evesham where his father had been member, but was ousted on petition by Sir Charles Cockerell. His political leanings were far from clear and in his address of thanks, he described himself as 'unbiased by any political party of connexion'. He regained his seat in 1820 and he remained MP for Evesham until 1825. His opposition leanings became apparent once in office. He inherited the title from his father in 1821

William married Charlotte Knight. the daughter of Thomas Knight by his wife formerly Miss Fenton, known as the celebrated Grecian on 24 March 1824. This marriage brought Downton Castle near Ludlow and its estate into the family. They had two sons and two daughters.