Sir Thomas Felton, 4th Baronet facts for kids

A portrait of Felton by Godfrey Kneller

Felton's grave in the chancel of St Mary's Church in Playford, Suffolk

Sir Thomas Felton, 4th Baronet (born October 12, 1649 – died March 3, 1709) was an important English person who worked for the King and was also a politician. He was a member of the Whig party. From 1690 to 1709, he served in the English House of Commons, which is like a parliament.

Thomas Felton was the son of Sir Henry Felton, 2nd Baronet from Playford, Suffolk. His mother was Susanna Tollemache.

Working for the King

Thomas Felton started working for the royal family when he was young.

Early Roles

From 1665 to 1671, he was a Page of Honour. This meant he was a young attendant to the King. In March 1671, he became a Groom of the Bedchamber. This was a more important role, helping the King directly.

In 1675, he was given the job of Master of the Hawks. This person was in charge of the King's hunting birds. By 1679, he was no longer a Groom to King Charles. We don't know why he left this role.

Marriage and Later Court Roles

Thomas Felton married Lady Elizabeth Howard. She was one of the daughters of James Howard, 3rd Earl of Suffolk. Sadly, Lady Elizabeth passed away in 1681.

When King William and Queen Mary came to power in 1689, Felton received a new important job. He became the Master of the Household. This role meant he managed the royal household and its staff.

A Career in Politics

Sir Thomas Felton was also a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years. This meant he helped make laws for England.

Representing Orford

In the 1690 election, he was chosen as the Member of Parliament for Orford. He was elected again for Orford without anyone running against him in 1695.

In 1697, he became the 4th Baronet after his older brother passed away. This was a special title passed down in his family.

Challenges and New Seats

By 1698, some people were not happy with him. In the 1698 election, he tried to become an MP for Suffolk but lost badly. He also ran for Orford again and won, but it was a very close race.

Because the election result was questioned, he lost his seat in Parliament on February 10, 1700.

In 1701, he tried to get back into Parliament. He lost in Orford in the first election of that year. But in the second election of 1701, he ran for Bury St Edmunds instead. He won this election with the help of his son-in-law, John Hervey.

He was re-elected for Bury St Edmunds in 1702 and again in 1705 without opposition.

Final Years in Parliament

In the 1708 election, he was elected for Bury St Edmunds one more time. He also received a promotion to Comptroller of the Household for Queen Anne. This was another important role in the royal household.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Thomas Felton passed away on March 3, 1709. He died from a health issue called gout in his stomach. He was buried six days later at St Mary's Church in Playford. His gravestone is still there in the church.

His daughter, Elizabeth, married John Hervey, 1st Earl of Bristol.