Paul Foley (politician) facts for kids
Paul Foley (born around 1688 – died November 28, 1739) was an English lawyer and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament, from 1713 to 1715. He came from Newport, a town in Herefordshire, England.
Early Life and Family
Paul Foley was the second son of a man also named Paul Foley. His father was a very important person in politics, serving as the Speaker of the House of Commons from 1695 to 1698. The Speaker is like the leader of the debates in the House of Commons.
Paul Foley started studying law at a young age. He was admitted to a famous law school called Lincoln's Inn in 1706. In 1708, he officially became a barrister, which is a type of lawyer who can argue cases in court.
He married Susannah Massingberd. Her father was Sir William Massingberd, a respected figure from Lincolnshire.
Political Career
After his father passed away in 1699, a powerful politician named Robert Harley took an interest in Paul Foley. Robert Harley was connected to the Foley family because he had married Paul's cousin.
Harley helped Paul Foley get a chance to run for a seat in Parliament in the 1713 election. Foley ran in a place called Aldborough. He won the election and became a Member of Parliament, often called an MP. Being an MP meant he represented the people of Aldborough in the House of Commons.
Paul Foley's time in Parliament was short. In the next election in 1715, he tried to win a seat in a different area called Weobley. He was elected, but his election was later cancelled on June 18, 1715, after someone complained. He tried to get back into Parliament in 1732 in Weobley but was not successful.
Later Life and Wealth
In 1722, Paul Foley married for a second time. His second wife was Susannah Hoare. Her father, Henry Hoare, was a very successful banker in London.
Marrying into such a wealthy banking family, combined with his own successful career as a lawyer, helped Paul Foley become very rich. He passed away on November 28, 1739. He did not have any children with either of his wives. His money and property were managed by his great-nephew, Thomas Foley.
