Thomas Bere (1652–1725) facts for kids
Thomas Bere (born 1652 – died 22 June 1725) was an important landowner from Huntsham, a village near Tiverton in England. He was also a politician who belonged to the Whig party. He served in the English and later British Parliament for many years between 1690 and 1725.
Early Life and Family
Thomas Bere was the oldest son of another man named Thomas Bere, who owned the land and property of Huntsham in Devon. His mother was Margaret Davie.
Young Thomas started studying at Exeter College, Oxford in 1670. When his father passed away in 1680, Thomas took over the family estate at Huntsham. Around 1686, he married Mary Stedman.
His Time in Politics
Thomas Bere became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Tiverton in 1690. An MP is a person chosen to represent their local area in the country's main law-making body, the Parliament. He was elected without anyone running against him, which means he was very popular!
In 1692, he brought a concern from Tiverton to Parliament. People in Tiverton were worried about Irish wool making, which was causing many workers in Devon to lose their jobs.
He was re-elected several times without opposition, showing how much people trusted him. In 1706, he got an important job: he became a Commissioner for supplying the navy. This meant he helped make sure the navy had all the food and supplies it needed. He kept this job for the rest of his life.
Thomas Bere continued to be an MP for Tiverton. He voted on important issues, like allowing people from Palatine (a region in Germany) to become British citizens in 1709. He also voted in a famous case involving a preacher named Dr. Sacheverell in 1710.
In 1710, there was a confusing election in Tiverton, and he lost his seat for a short time. However, he was elected again in 1715 and 1722, continuing to represent Tiverton in Parliament until he passed away.
Death
Thomas Bere died on 22 June 1725. He had two sons.
