Sir Thomas Frankland, 2nd Baronet facts for kids

Sir Thomas Frankland, 2nd Baronet (born September 1665 – died 30 October 1726), lived at Thirkleby Hall in Yorkshire, England. He was a wealthy landowner and a Whig politician. Whigs were a political group in Britain. Sir Thomas was a member of the English and later British Parliament from 1685 to 1711. He also served as a joint Postmaster General from 1691 to 1715. This role meant he helped manage the postal service for the country.

Early Life and Family

Thomas Frankland was the oldest son of Sir William Frankland, 1st Baronet and his wife Arabella Belasyse. His mother was the daughter of Hon. Henry Belasyse MP. Thomas studied at Cambridge University from 1680 to 1681. He also joined Lincoln's Inn in 1683, which is a place where lawyers are trained.

In February 1683, he married Elizabeth Russell. Elizabeth was the daughter of Sir John Russell and Frances Cromwell. Frances Cromwell was the daughter of the famous English leader, Oliver Cromwell.

A Career in Government

Sir Thomas Frankland first became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Thirsk in 1685. He took his father's place in Parliament. At first, he did not take a very active role. He was elected again in 1689.

In April 1689, he was made a Commissioner for excise. This meant he helped collect taxes on certain goods. However, he lost this job in October because he could not help the government with a loan.

Postmaster General Role

Frankland was elected MP for Thirsk again in 1690. In February 1691, he became a joint Postmaster-General. He shared this important job with Sir Robert Cotton. They split the job so that one Whig (Frankland) and one Tory (Cotton) held the position.

Sir Thomas held this role until 1715. He was a very dedicated Postmaster. He made many improvements to the postal service. He especially improved how mail was sent overseas.

Parliamentary Activities

Even though he was busy with the Post Office, his work in Parliament was not very active. He did not run for election in 1695. Instead, he was elected MP for Hedon in a special election in December 1695.

In 1696, he supported a document called the "Association." He also voted with the government to set the price of guineas, which were gold coins. He and Sir Robert Cotton were asked to improve laws about the post office. In November 1696, he voted to declare Sir John Fenwick guilty of treason without a trial.

When his father died in August 1697, Thomas became the 2nd Baronet. This meant he inherited his father's title. He was elected MP for Thirsk again in 1698. In 1699, he presented a request to Parliament from people in Halifax about making woollen goods.

Later Years in Parliament

Frankland was re-elected for Thirsk without opposition in 1701 and 1702. He started to use his influence in Yorkshire and at the Post Office to affect elections in other areas. He was re-elected for Thirsk again in 1705. He supported the government's choice for Speaker of Parliament. He also supported the government on a bill about who could hold certain jobs.

He was elected for Thirsk again in 1708. He supported allowing people from the Palatine region of Germany to become British citizens. He also tried to help the town of Dumfries get a better postal service to Carlisle. This issue became part of bigger discussions about improving the Union between England and Scotland.

Frankland voted to formally accuse Dr Sacheverell of wrongdoing in Parliament. He was elected for Thirsk one last time in 1710. In February 1711, he helped create a bill to set up a General Post Office for Great Britain. Around this time, he found out that a new law meant he could not be both a Postmaster and an MP. So, he left his seat in Parliament in May 1711.

Retirement and Legacy

Sir Thomas Frankland continued as joint Postmaster-General until 1715. After King George I came to the throne, he was appointed a Commissioner for customs. He held this job until 1718, when he became too unwell to continue. He then received a yearly payment of £500. He retired from public life. In 1722, he paid to rebuild the church at Thirkleby.

Death and Family

Sir Thomas Frankland died on 30 October 1726, at 61 years old. He was buried at Thirkleby. He left his lands to his oldest son, Thomas. He also left over £13,000 to his other family members, servants, and tenants.

He and his wife had nine children:

• Thomas Frankland (around 1685–1747), who became the 3rd Baronet. He was also an MP for Thirsk and Harwich.
• William Frankland (died 1714), who managed money for the Stamp Office.
• John, who died young in Hamburg.
• Henry Frankland, who became the Governor of Bengal (died 1728). He was the father of Sir Charles Frankland, 4th Baronet, and Sir Thomas Frankland, 5th Baronet.
• Richard Frankland (died 1761), who was a Commissioner for the Salt Office.
• Frederick Meinhardt Frankland (around 1694–1768), a lawyer and MP for Thirsk.
• Robert Frankland, who was killed in India.
• Mary (died 1722), who married Thomas Worsley.
• Frances, who married Roger Talbot.

Two of his sons later served as MPs for Thirsk between 1713 and 1749.

Thirkleby Hall was rebuilt in 1790, and Thirkleby Church was replaced in 1851.