Sir Richard Hill, 2nd Bt (1732-1808), Writer of religious pamphlets and politician
Sitter in 3 portraits
Richard Hill was the elder brother of the evangelical preacher Rowland Hill. In 1758, he experienced an evangelical conversion after which he joined a Methodist society that met regularly in Oxford. He vigorously participated in the often bitter debates that broke out in the Methodist movement. Hill entered Parliament as an MP in 1780 where he remained for twenty-six years. He adopted an independent stance on most issues but became a staunch supporter of William Pitt after he came to power in 1783. Hill succeeded to the baronetcy on his father's death in 1783, inheriting his Shropshire estates and a large income. He never married, and was succeeded by his younger brother John Hill.