John Fuller (1757-1834), MP for Sussex

Sitter in 4 portraits
John Fuller inherited a vast fortune in 1777 on the death of his uncle. He entered Parliament in 1780 and remained there for four years, re-entering as MP for Sussex from 1801 to 1812. His chief interest, however, was the Sussex militia, of which he was a captain from 1778. Fuller was frequently an object of fun in the House. In 1810, he became infamous for his drunken interventions in a debate. It took the sergeant-at-arms and four messengers to overpower him and remove him from the chamber; he subsequently spent two days in custody before apologising to the House. Fuller retired from parliament in 1812 and settled on his Sussex estate. He is best remembered today as the builder of follies on his estate.