Sir Cecil Bishopp, 6th Baronet

Sir Cecil Bishopp, 6th Baronet (30 October 1700 – 15 June 1778), later Bisshopp, was a British politician. He succeeded to the title of 6th Baronet Bishopp, of Parham, co. Sussex on 25 October 1725. He was Member of Parliament for Penryn between 1727 and 1734, having been returned unopposed on the interest of the Boscawen family into which he had married. He also represented Boroughbridge between 1755 and 1768. He married Hon. Anne Boscawen, daughter of Hugh Boscawen, 1st Viscount Falmouth and Charlotte Godfrey, in 1726. In addition to Parham Park, Sussex he was also the owner of a house at 11 Berkeley Square, London which Horace Walpole purchased from Bisshopp's heirs in 1779 and in which Walpole lived until he died there in 1797. Sir Cecil died on 15 June 1778 at the age of 77.

Sir Cecil was noted for having a large number of children, at least thirteen, for the period, so many that it “caused some remark in contemporary society”. While large families were not uncommon it was unusual for an aristocratic family to have so many legitimate children. In June 1760 Horace Walpole noted Sir Cecil’s “endless hoard of beautiful daughters”. As a result, on several occasions over the years he lobbied the Duke of Newcastle for various sinecures and government positions. In 1748 he asked for “the reversion of the controllership of army accounts, or failing that, a place in the revenue commission”. He explained “the reason, my Lord, for my thus importuning you is a very cogent one, a numerous family, scarce in the power of frugality to support.” On 2 Oct. 1750 he wrote again: The last time I had the honour to be with your Grace ... you gave me leave to trouble you with a letter, in case an employment should become vacant ... I then mentioned ... superintendent of the royal brass foundries at Woolwich ... Tis a sinecure, and the salary £500 a year, and no more.” In 1751 Bishopp received his appointment, and later was appointed Superintendant of H.M.'s Founderies in August 1751. In addition the Duke of Newcastle ensured his second son being made a page to the new Prince of Wales. His daughter Frances was also appointed a Maid of Honour to Queen Charlotte.

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