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Simon Harcourt, First Earl Harcourt


(b. 1714, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England – d. Sept. 16, 1777, Nuneham Courtenay, Oxford, Oxfordshire )

Gender: M

Simon Harcourt (1714-1777), 2nd Viscount Harcourt, was made 1st Earl Harcourt in 1749 in return for his service to the crown during the Jacobite Rebellion. In 1751 he was appointed governor to the Prince of Wales, afterwards George III, and from 1768-1772 was British ambassador to Paris. From 1772-1777 he was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He retired to his seat at Nuneham Park in Oxfordshire, where he died on 16th September 1777 while attempting to rescue his dog from a well.

Also known as:

  • Simon Harcourt
  • 1st Earl Harcourt


Mentioned in 4 letters



Please note that all dates and location information are provisional, initially taken from the library and archive catalogues. As our section editors continue to work through the material we will update our database and the changes will be reflected across the edition.

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