Sir Thomas Hales, 2nd Baronet facts for kids

A portrait of Hales

Sir Thomas Hales, 2nd Baronet (born February 24, 1665/66 – died January 7, 1748) was an important English politician. He served in the English and British parliaments for many years, from 1701 to 1747.

Early Life and Family Background

Thomas Hales was born into a well-known family. His parents were Thomas Hales of Howletts and Mary Wood. He was baptized on March 1, 1665/66, in Bekesbourne, Kent, England.

When he was older, he studied law at a place called Inner Temple in 1683. He also traveled abroad, visiting France. His father passed away in 1692. A year later, in December 1693, Thomas inherited a special title called a "baronetcy" when his grandfather, Sir Robert Hales, died. A baronet is a title of honor, similar to a knight, but it can be passed down through the family.

Political Journey

Sir Thomas Hales began his political career as a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person chosen by voters to represent them in the country's government.

First Steps in Parliament

In 1701, Sir Thomas Hales was elected as a Tory MP for Kent. The Tories were one of the main political groups at the time. He was very popular, getting the most votes in the second election of 1701. In 1702, he was elected again without anyone running against him, which means he won easily. He did not run for election in 1705. Later, in 1711, he tried to become an MP for Nottinghamshire but was not successful that time.

Serving Canterbury

In 1715, Sir Thomas Hales became a Whig MP for Canterbury. The Whigs were another major political group. Because he supported the government, he was given a special job. He joined a group that managed properties that had been taken by the government, and he earned a good salary of £1,000 a year for this work.

He continued to be re-elected for Canterbury in 1722 and 1727. In 1734, he lost the election at first. However, after a special review, he was declared the winner. He lost again in the 1741 election but returned to Parliament in 1746 after another special election. His long political career ended when he was defeated in the 1747 election and did not run again.

Family Life

Sir Thomas Hales married Mary Pym in 1688. They had several children together:

• Sir Thomas Hales (around 1694–1762), who inherited his father's special title.
• Mary Hales, who married Sir Brook Bridges.
• Catherine Hales, who married Edward Cook.
• Anne Hales.
• Elizabeth Hales, who married Benjamin Lethiemillier and later Charles Pyott.

Sir Thomas Hales also had a younger brother named Stephen Hales. Stephen became a very famous scientist, inventor, and a person who helped others a lot.