Family and Education

b. 24 June 1724, 3rd s. of Philip Yorke, 1st Earl of Hardwicke, and bro. of Hon. Charles, John and Philip Yorke. educ. Dr. Newcome’s, Hackney. m. 23 Jan. 1783, Christiana Charlotte Margaret, Baroness de Stöcken, da. of Johan Henrik, Baron de Stöcken of Denmark, wid. of Baron de Boctzalaer of Holland, s.p. K.B. 23 Mar. 1761; cr. Baron Dover 18 Sept. 1788.

Offices Held

Ensign 2 Ft. Gds. 1741, lt. and capt. 1743; capt. and lt.-col. 1 Ft. Gds. 1745; a.-d.-c. to the Duke of Cumberland 1745-9; a.-d.-c. to the King 1749-58; col. army 1749; col. 9 Ft. 1755-9; maj-gen. 1758; col. 8 Drags. 1759-60, 5 Drags. 1760-87; lt.-gen. 1760; gen. 1777; col. 11 Lt. Drags. 1787-9, 1 Life Gds. 1789-d.

Sec. to Paris embassy 1749-51, minister at The Hague 1751-61, ambassador 1761-80; P.C. 29 June 1768.

Biography

Entering the army, Joseph Yorke received rapid promotion, becoming a lieutenant-colonel before he was of age, and a.-d.-c. to the King, as a result of heavy pressure from his father,1 at 25. Deciding after the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle to exchange a military for a diplomatic career, he was appointed minister to The Hague at the age of 26. Brought into Parliament by the Duke of Dorset2 shortly before his appointment, he kept up his membership throughout his 30 years at The Hague, for the prestige which it brought him there, but there is no evidence that he ever attended.

He died 2 Dec. 1792.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Romney R. Sedgwick

Notes

• 1. Yorke, Hardwicke, ii. 91-92, 169-71.
• 2. Hardwicke to Newcastle, 1 June 1750, Add. 32721, f. 3.