Family and Education

b. 14 Jan. 1734, 7th s. of Davies Davenport of Woodford, Cheshire by Penelope, da. and h. of John Ward of Capesthorne, Cheshire. educ. Westminster 1748-50; B.N.C. Oxf. 1751; I. Temple 1753, called 1754. m. Jane, da. of Robert Seel of Liverpool.  Kntd. 27 June 1783.

Offices Held

Solicitor-gen. to the Queen 1781-2; serjeant-at-law June 1783.

Biography

Davenport was described by George III as ‘a very creditable person in his profession’,1 but he was of little consequence in Parliament. He sat for Newton on the interest of Peter Legh, a near neighbour of his family in Cheshire; and voted in Parliament with Lord North, both in office and in opposition. He spoke in the House on two subjects: in November and December 1783, when he pressed for the expulsion of Christopher Atkinson, whom he had prosecuted for perjury; and in May and June 1784 for Fox on the Westminster scrutiny.  He died 25 Mar. 1786.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: John Brooke

Notes

• 1. King to North, 8 Mar. 1781, Fortescue, v. 202.