About John William Fortescue
Lived 1819 – 1859 (aged 40). John William Fortescue was a British politician and aristocrat.
The Honourable John William Fortescue (14 July 1819 – 25 September 1859) was a British Whig politician.
Background Fortescue was the second son of Hugh Fortescue, 2nd Earl Fortescue, and Lady Susan, daughter of Dudley Ryder, 1st Earl of Harrowby. His paternal grandmother Hester Grenville was the daughter of George Grenville. Hugh Fortescue, 3rd Earl Fortescue and the Hon. Dudley Fortescue were his brothers.
Political career Fortescue was returned to Parliament as one of two representatives for Barnstaple in 1847, a seat he held until 1852. He was also a Major and later Lieutenant-Colonel commanding the East Devon Militia from 1853 to 1856.
Personal life Fortescue died in September 1859, aged 40. He never married.
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John William Fortescue?
British Whig politician
When was John William Fortescue born?
John William Fortescue was born on 14 July 1819.
When did John William Fortescue die?
John William Fortescue died on 25 September 1859.
What was John William Fortescue's occupation?
John William Fortescue was a politician and aristocrat.
What nationality was John William Fortescue?
John William Fortescue was British.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: John William Fortescue
· DBpedia: John Fortescue (MP for Barnstaple)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John William Fortescue. https://biography.guide/john-william-fortescue/
MLA: "John William Fortescue." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-william-fortescue/.
Chicago: "John William Fortescue." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-william-fortescue/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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