Sir Thomas Culpeper, 3rd Baronet facts for kids
Sir Thomas Culpeper, also known as Colepeper, was an important English landowner and politician. He was born around 1656 and passed away on May 18, 1723. He lived at Preston Hall in Kent, England. As a member of the Whig political party, he served in the English and British House of Commons from 1705 to 1723.
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Early Life and Family
Thomas Culpeper was the son of Sir Richard Culpeper, who was the 2nd Baronet of Preston Hall. His mother was Margaret Reynolds. A "Baronet" is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family.
When his father died on January 10, 1660, Thomas was still a baby. He inherited the title of Baronet and the family home, Preston Hall, at a very young age.
He later attended Magdalen Hall at Oxford University. He started there on June 15, 1672, when he was about 15 years old. After the death of Sir Francis Wythens, Thomas Culpeper married Lady Elizabeth Wythens on August 23, 1704.
Political Career
Sir Thomas Culpeper was a significant figure in local and national politics. Before becoming a Member of Parliament, he served as the High Sheriff of Kent in 1704. This was an important role in managing law and order in the county.
Serving in Parliament
In 1705, Sir Thomas Culpeper was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Maidstone, Kent. He was part of the Whig party. In Parliament, he voted on important issues. For example, he supported the Court candidate for Speaker in 1705. However, he sometimes voted against the Court on specific laws, showing he also supported the "Country Whigs" who wanted more independence from the government.
He was re-elected in the 1708 general election. During this time, he voted to allow Palatines (people from a region in Germany) to become British citizens. He also voted for the impeachment of Dr. Sacheverell in 1710.
In the 1710 election, he received the most votes in Maidstone. He did not stand for election in 1713.
Later Parliamentary Years
Sir Thomas Culpeper was elected again as MP for Maidstone in the 1715 general election. He voted for the Septennial Bill in 1716, which changed how often elections were held. He also voted against the Peerage Bill, a proposal about the House of Lords.
He was re-elected one last time in the 1722 general election, continuing his service in the House of Commons.
Death and Legacy
Sir Thomas Culpeper passed away on May 18, 1723, when he was 66 years old. He did not have any children, so his title of Baronet ended with him.
His family estates, including Preston Hall, were passed down to his sister Alicia's son, Sir Thomas Taylor, who became the 3rd Baronet. Sir Thomas Culpeper also left money to Lady Catharine Twisden and to a loyal servant named Swayne.
