1. Arthur Onslow set a record for length of service when repeatedly elected to serve as Speaker of the House of Commons, where he was known for his integrity.
17 Facts About Arthur Onslow
1. 2.
Arthur Onslow was called to the bar at the Middle Temple in 1713, but had no great practice in law.
3.
When Richard left office in 1715, Arthur Onslow obtained a place as receiver general of the Post Office.
4.
Arthur Onslow made Imber Court in Thames Ditton his principal seat.
5.
Arthur Onslow represented that borough until Parliament was dissolved in 1727.
6.
In 1727, he was returned both for Guildford and Surrey, with the highest majority ever recorded, and elected to serve for Surrey; his younger brother Richard Arthur Onslow replaced him at Guildford in a by-election.
7.
Arthur Onslow would be unanimously re-elected Speaker in 1735,1741,1747 and 1754, setting a record for length of service in that office: 33 years.
8.
Arthur Onslow's speakership was distinguished by his great integrity in a corrupt and jobbing age.
9.
Arthur Onslow saw his role to be the protection and defence of Parliament in the tradition established by the Glorious Revolution.
10.
Arthur Onslow insisted on rigidly observing parliamentary forms and procedure, which he viewed as a protection to independent MPs.
11.
Arthur Onslow continued to receive emoluments from the office of Speaker, such as those for private bills.
12.
Arthur Onslow became Recorder of Guildford and high steward of Kingston upon Thames in 1737.
13.
Arthur Onslow died at his home in London in 1768 and was buried at Thames Ditton, but his body and that of his wife were later removed to the Onslow burial place in Merrow Church, Surrey.
14.
Speaker Arthur Onslow's nephew, George Arthur Onslow, a son of his brother Richard, was a lieutenant colonel and Member of Parliament for Guildford from 1760 to 1784.
15.
One of his descendants, Cranley Arthur Onslow, was a member of parliament in the late 20th century.
16.
Arthur Onslow made Imber Court in Thames Ditton his principal seat.
17.
Early in his career, Arthur Onslow became High Steward of Kingston upon Thames.