Family and Education
b. 31 Aug. 1781, 1st s. of Frederick Ponsonby†, 3rd earl of Bessborough [I] and 3rd Bar. Ponsonby [GB], and Lady Henrietta Frances Spencer, da. of John Spencer†, 1st Earl Spencer; bro. of Hon. Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby* and Hon. William Francis Spencer Ponsonby*. educ. Harrow 1790-8; Christ Church, Oxf. 1799; continental tour 1800, 1802-3. m. 16 Nov. 1805, Lady Maria Fane, da. of John, 10th earl of Westmorland, 7s. (2 d.v.p.) 6da. cr. Bar. Duncannon [UK] 19 July 1834; suc. fa. as 4th earl of Bessborough [I] and 4th Bar. Ponsonby [GB] 3 Feb. 1844. d. 16 May 1847.
Offices Held
PC 23 Feb. 1831; first commr. of woods, forests and land revenues Feb. 1831 – July 1834, May 1835 – Sept. 1841; sec. of state for home affairs July – Nov. 1834; ld. privy seal Apr. 1835 – Jan. 1840; ld. lt. [I] July 1846 – d.
Ld. lt. co. Carlow 1831 – 38, co. Kilkenny 1838 – d.
Lt.-col. commdt. Marylebone vols. 1803; vice-pres. County Fire Office 1816.
Parlimentarian
Notes
See D. Howell-Thomas, Duncannon (1992).
Volume
Commons 1820-1832
Web Title
PONSONBY, John William, Visct. Duncannon (1781-1847)
Will
Estates
Oxford 1644
No
Addresses
Religion