STOPFORD, James, 2nd Earl of Courtown [I] (1731-1810).

Courtown was a large landowner in Ireland, but had little property or political interest in England. He sat in the House on the interest of his wife’s uncle, the 1st Earl of Ailesbury. He was an inconspicuous Member. He was listed hostile to repeal of the Test Act in Scotland in April 1791. His great ambition was a British peerage, which seemed assured since he was in favour with George III. In 1791 the Duke of Buccleuch was negotiating with Ailesbury for the seat for Marlborough expected shortly to be vacant through Courtown’s promotion, and in 1793 Stopford retired from the Commons, presumably having received a definite promise. Three years later he was created a peer of Great Britain: he had jogged the King’s memory on the subject, 12 Dec. 1794. He died 30 Mar. 1810.Geo. III Corresp. i. 603; ii. 1174; SRO GD224/31, Ailesbury to Buccleuch, 17 Nov. 1791.