Sir Thomas Drury, 1st Baronet facts for kids

A portrait of Drury

Sir Thomas Drury (born 1712, died 1759) was an important English politician. He was known as the 1st Baronet Drury. He lived at Wickham Hall in Essex and Overstone in Northamptonshire. Sir Thomas Drury was a member of the House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament, from 1741 to 1747. He was also a member of the Royal Society, a famous group for scientists.

Early Life and Family Background

Thomas Drury was born in London in 1712. He was baptized on November 12, 1712, at St Andrew's Church. His father was Richard Drury from Colne, and his mother was Joyce Beacon.

When he was older, Thomas Drury went to Merton College, Oxford in 1729 to study. Later, in 1736, he became a lawyer at the Inner Temple in London.

In 1737, Thomas Drury inherited a very large amount of money. He shared this inheritance with his cousin, Thomas Beacon Townsend. The money came from his uncle, Thomas Beacon, who was a brewer. After his cousin passed away later that year, Thomas Drury inherited his cousin's share too. This made him very wealthy.

His Public and Political Career

Sir Thomas Drury became a Member of Parliament for Maldon in 1741. This meant he helped make laws for the country.

He was given the special title of 1st Baronet Drury of Overstone in 1739. He was also made a Knight.

Besides being a Member of Parliament, he had other important jobs. He was the High Sheriff of Essex from 1740 to 1741. He was also the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire from 1748 to 1749. These roles involved helping to keep law and order in those areas. In 1758, he became a member of the Royal Society, which is a group that promotes science.

Family Life

Sir Thomas Drury married Martha Tyrrell on October 11, 1737. Martha was the daughter of Sir John Tyrrell. They were married at Somerset House Chapel in London.

Sir Thomas and Martha had one son, but sadly, their son died before Sir Thomas did. They also had two daughters:

• Their daughter, Mary Ann, married John Hobart, 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire in 1761. She had previously decided not to marry Lord Halifax.
• Their other daughter, Jocosa Katherina, married Brownlow Cust, 1st Baron Brownlow in 1770.