Timothy Shelley

Sir Timothy Shelley, 2nd Baronet of Castle Goring (7 September 1753 – 24 April 1844) was the son of Sir Bysshe Shelley, 1st Baronet of Castle Goring and the father of Romantic poet and dramatist Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Early life and education

Shelley was born to Sir Bysshe Shelley and Mary Catherine Michell, Lady Shelley. He studied at University College, Oxford, and was awarded his bachelor's in 1778; his master's following in 1781. He then studied law at Lincoln's Inn.

Career

Shelley was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Horsham, Sussex at the 1790 general election, but an election petition was lodged and the result was overturned on 19 March 1792. He was elected as MP for New Shoreham at the 1802 general election. Shelly was re-elected for Shoreham in 1806, 1807, and 1812, and held the seat until he stood down at the 1818 general election.

He associated with the Duke of Norfolk during his time in the British political sphere.

Personal life

Shelley married Elizabeth Pilfold in October 1791 and they moved to Field Place in Warnham, approximately 40 miles outside London. The couple had six children:

• Percy Bysshe (1792–1822)
• Elizabeth (1794–1831)
• Mary (1797–1884)
• Hellen (1799–1885)
• Margaret (1801–1887)
• John (1806–1866)

All of Shelley's daughters remained unmarried.

Titles

• Mr Timothy Shelley (1753–1790)
• Mr Timothy Shelley MP (1790–1815)
• Sir Timothy Shelley (1815–1844)

Shelley inherited the baronetcy in 1815, becoming the 2nd Baronet Shelley, of Castle Goring, Sussex.