Sir Nathaniel Napier, 2nd Baronet

Sir Nathaniel Napier, 2nd Baronet (1636–1709) was an English politician, known also as a traveller and dilettante.

Early life The third son of Sir Gerrard Napier, 1st Baronet, of More Crichel in Dorset, by Margaret, daughter and co-heiress of John Colles of Barton St David, Somerset, he matriculated at Oriel College, Oxford, 16 March 1654, as a fellow-commoner.

He presented the college with a bronze eagle lectern; but, being in bad health, did not take a degree. After his marriage in 1656, he lived quietly at Edmondsham, Dorset.

In politics Napier was knighted on 16 January 1662, and spent some time travelling. In 1673 he succeeded his father as second baronet, and settled down as a country gentleman. He renovated Middlemarsh Hall and Crichel House, and represented Dorset in the House of Commons from April 1677 to February 1678, before he was unseated.

Later life In 1697, Napier began to travel again, with a tour in France and Italy, keeping a journal.

Napier was succeeded by his only surviving son, Nathaniel, who was member for Dorchester in nine parliaments between 1695 and 1722. On the death of his grandson, the sixth baronet, in 1765, the estates passed to a cousin, Humphry Sturt, who built up Crichel House there.