Quick Facts
Biography
Sir Hugh Williams, 8th Baronet (c. 1718 – 19 August 1794), was a British soldier and politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1768 and 1794.
Early life
Williams was born in 1718 and was the son of Col. Griffith Williams of Arianws, near Llangelynin, Caernarvonshire and, his wife, Mary Williams.
He entered the British Army in 1739 and was Captain in the 34th Foot in 1744. He succeeded to the baronetcy on the death of his cousin Sir Robert Williams, 7th Baronet, in November 1745.
Career
In 1756 he was a major in the 6th Foot and was at Menorca when the garrison was attacked in that year. In1759 he was in a volunteer battalion in the 85th Foot.
Correspondence indicates that Williams was becoming involved in politics in Beaumaris, partly in the interest of his stepson Thomas Bulkeley, but was handicapped by the secrecy of his marriage (because of his father-in-law's disapproval of Williams). In the course of these dealings, he became Lt Colonel in the 53rd Foot in 1761 and became Constable of Beaumaris Castle in July 1761. However, his regiment was stationed in Gibraltar and he was ordered to return to military duties on the European continent. Williams disliked the climate and wished to be transferred to a regiment at home. As this was refused he retired from the army on half-pay in December 1764 to take care of affairs at Beaumaris.
Political career
In 1768 he was elected Member of Parliament for Beaumaris but made little contribution.His stepson Thomas Bulkeley joined him in parliament in 1774 and was encouraging him to take a greater interest. However he found parliamentary business tiresome and stood down in 1780.
He returned as MP for Beaumaris in a by-election in 1785 and retained the seat until his death on 19 August 1794.
Personal life
Williams married Emma Bridget (née Rowlands) Bulkeley, the dowager Viscountess Bulkeley, widow of James Bulkeley, 6th Viscount Bulkeley on 28 June 1760. She was daughter of Thomas Rowlands of Caerau, Anglesey, but as her father disapproved of Williams, the marriage was kept secret. Together, they were the parents of two sons and two daughters, including:
- Sir Robert Williams, 9th Baronet (1764–1830), who married Anne Lewis, daughter of the Rev. Edward Hughes Lewis, in 1799.
Sir Hugh died on 19 August 1794 and was succeeded by his eldest son Robert.