Thomas Anson, 1st Viscount Anson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable The Viscount Anson
Thomas Anson (1767–1818), after T. Phillips, by 1886. Member of Parliament.
Member of Parliament for Lichfield
In office 1789–1806 Serving with Sir John Wrottesley
Preceded by	Thomas Gilbert George Anson
Succeeded by	Sir John Wrottesley Sir George Anson
Personal details
Born	Thomas Adams (1767-02-14)14 February 1767
Died	31 July 1818(1818-07-31) (aged 51)
Nationality	British
Spouse	Lady Anne Margaret Coke ​ (m. 1794)​
Children	13, including Thomas and George
Parents	George Anson Mary Vernon

Thomas Anson, 1st Viscount Anson (born February 14, 1767 – died July 31, 1818), was an important British politician. He was also a "peer," which means he held a special noble title in the British system. He came from the well-known Anson family.

Thomas Anson's Early Life and Path to Politics

Thomas Anson was born on February 14, 1767. He was the first son of George Anson and Mary Vernon. His family's last name was actually Adams until 1773. This changed when his father inherited the Anson family lands after his uncles passed away.

Thomas had several brothers and sisters. His sister, Mary Anson, married Sir Francis Ford. His brothers included two famous army generals, Sir George Anson and Sir William Anson.

He went to school at Eton College in 1779 and later studied at Oriel College, Oxford, in 1784.

Anne Margaret Coke, Viscountess Anson, Thomas William Anson, Anne Margaret Anson, and George Anson, as Children, at Shugborough Hall, a historic estate.

When his father passed away in 1789, Thomas Anson took over his father's role as a Member of Parliament for Lichfield. A Member of Parliament (MP) is a person elected to represent a group of people in the country's government, similar to a representative today. He served in this role until 1806.

After leaving the House of Commons, which is one of the two parts of the British Parliament, Thomas Anson was given two special noble titles. He became Viscount Anson and Baron Soberton. These titles made him a "peer" in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, giving him a seat in the House of Lords.

Family Life and Children

Viscount Anson's memorial at St Michael and All Angels Church in Colwich.

On September 15, 1794, Thomas Anson married Lady Anne Coke. She was the daughter of the 1st Earl of Leicester.

Thomas and Anne had a large family with thirteen children. Some of their notable children included:

• Hon. Thomas William Anson (1795–1854), who later became the 1st Earl of Lichfield.
• Hon. Anna Margaret Anson (1796–1882), who married the 4th Earl of Rosebery.
• Hon. George Anson (1797–1857), who also became a British Army officer.
• Hon. Charles Littleton Anson (1799–1812), who sadly died young in an accident aboard a ship.
• Hon. Frances Elizabeth Anson (1810–1899), who married twice.
• Hon. Frederica Sophia (1814–1867), whose son, Henry William Primrose, became an important government official.

Later Life and Legacy

Thomas Anson passed away on July 31, 1818. His letters and other important papers are kept safe at the Staffordshire County Record Office. These documents help historians learn more about his life and the time he lived in.