George Trenchard (MP for Poole) facts for kids

George Trenchard (born around 1684 – died 1758) was an important person in British politics. He owned a lot of land near Poole, Dorset. He was a member of the House of Commons for 35 years, from 1713 to 1754. He was part of the Whig group, which was a political party at the time.

Early Life and Family

George Trenchard was the oldest son of Sir John Trenchard. His mother was Philippa Speke. George joined the army when he was young, becoming an ensign in 1693.

In 1695, he inherited his father's properties. He left the army by 1702 to study law at Middle Temple. He also studied at Jesus College, Cambridge starting in 1705.

George married his cousin, Mary Trenchard, who passed away in 1740. She inherited a large estate called Wolveton in Dorset. When her property was combined with what George inherited, he became a very wealthy landowner in Dorset.

Starting in Politics

By 1712, George Trenchard became friends with Thomas Burnet, who wrote political articles for the Whig party. George even supported Burnet when he was in trouble for publishing a pamphlet that criticized the government.

In 1713, George Trenchard was elected as a Member of Parliament for Poole. He was elected during the 1713 British general election. He showed his support for the Whig party by voting against removing Richard Steele from Parliament in 1714.

A Long Political Career

George Trenchard was re-elected as an MP for Poole in the 1715 British general election. After that, he usually voted with the government. One time he didn't was during the Peerage Bill discussions in 1719.

In 1716, he was given the important role of vice-admiral for Poole and Dorset. This meant he helped manage naval affairs in the area.

He made one notable speech in Parliament in 1721. It was about a bill related to the South Sea Company. He suggested that Sir Theodore Janssen should be allowed to keep a large sum of money from his estate.

Trenchard continued to be elected as MP for Poole in many elections:

• 1722
• 1727
• 1734

In the 1741 British general election, he planned to run with Thomas Wyndham. However, the local council didn't support them, so he didn't run that time.

He was elected again without opposition in the 1747 British general election with a different partner. Before the 1754 British general election, he decided to step down. He supported Sir Richard Lyttelton for the Poole seat. In return, George's son, John Trenchard, was made a commissioner of taxes.

Later Life

George Trenchard passed away on March 31, 1758. He had six sons and five daughters. Sadly, three of his sons and three of his daughters died before him.