Domestic Life
In 1744 Beckford bought an estate at Fonthill Gifford, near Salisbury, Wiltshire. He made substantial improvements to the property but it was largely destroyed by fire in 1755. "I have an odd fifty thousand pounds in a drawer: I will build it up again," Beckford promptly declared, and rebuilt it as Fonthill Splendens.
On 8 June 1756, aged 47, he married Maria Hamilton, daughter of Hon. George Hamilton. His only child by this marriage was William Thomas Beckford, born at Fonthill Splendens in 1760. Beckford also had eight children born out of wedlock who were left legacies in his will.
From 1751 until his death his London residence was at 22 Soho Square, which became the centre of his political activities.
Read more about this topic: William Beckford (politician)
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