Francis Godolphin, 2nd Earl of Godolphin

Francis Godolphin, 2nd Earl of Godolphin (* September 3, 1678; † January 17, 1766 ) was a British politician of the early 18th century. He was the son of Sidney Godolphin, 1st Earl of Godolphin and Margaret Blagge, who died at birth.

The Godolphin family, whose wealth stemmed from the tin mining was one of the leading families of the county of Cornwall and was able to trace their ancestors back to the time of the Norman conquest of England in 1066 by William I.. Until the mid-18th century, the seat of the Godolphin House family, which is located near Helston in the former Kerrier District was.

Francis married on April 23, 1698 Lady Henrietta Churchill, a daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. His sons William and Henry died before him, so that the family later to Thomas Osborne, 4th Duke of Leeds went to his daughter Mary had married. Francis was like his father, a member of the House of Commons, was 1706-1712 the courtesy title Viscount Rialton and 1712 with the death of his father, 2nd Earl of Godolphin. 1735, he was appointed Lord Privy Seal and ennobled as Baron Godolphin of Helston.

Francis was like many of his ancestors Governor of the Scilly Isles and as such co-founder of 1739 created charity organization that called itself the Foundling Hospital, and made ​​it his mission to mitigate the London widespread abandonment of children by allowing these children housed in orphanages.

The title of baron was allowed a cousin of Francis, a son of Sidney's brother Henry, who also was named Francis, continue as Francis 2nd Baron of Helston. With him went the male line of the Godolphin, since he had no male offspring.