Thomas Bulkeley, 7th Viscount Bulkeley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Viscount Bulkeley
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| Lord Lieutenant of Caernarvonshire | |
| In office 1781–1822 |
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| Preceded by | The Lord Newborough |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Assheton Smith |
| Member of Parliament for Anglesey | |
| In office 1774–1784 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Nicholas Bayly, Bt |
| Succeeded by | Nicholas Bayly |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas James Bulkeley
12 December 1752 |
| Died | 3 June 1822 (aged 69) |
| Spouses |
Elizabeth Harriet Warren
(m. 1777; died 1822) |
| Relations | Sir Robert Williams, 9th Baronet (half-brother) |
| Parent | James Bulkeley, 6th Viscount Bulkeley |
| Alma mater | Jesus College, Oxford |
Thomas James Bulkeley, who later changed his name to Warren-Bulkeley, was an important Welsh leader and politician. He was born on December 12, 1752, and passed away on June 3, 1822. He served in the House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament, from 1774 to 1784. After that, he became a peer, which meant he was given a special title and could sit in the House of Lords.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas James Bulkeley was born after his father, James Bulkeley, 6th Viscount Bulkeley, had passed away. His mother was Emma Rowlands. In 1760, his mother married again to Sir Hugh Williams. This meant Thomas had two half-sisters and two half-brothers, including Sir Robert Williams.
Thomas went to Jesus College, Oxford, a famous university. After college, he went on a "Grand Tour" around Europe. This was a common trip for young, wealthy men to learn about art and culture. During his travels, he bought a painting called St Michael subduing the Devil by the artist Guido Reni. He later gave this painting to his college chapel.
Political Career
Just like many of his family members before him, Thomas Bulkeley became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Anglesey. He was elected in 1774 and again in 1780. An MP is someone elected by people to represent them in Parliament.
In 1784, Thomas was given a new title, Baron Bulkeley, of Beaumaris. This meant he became a "peer" and had to leave his seat in the House of Commons. Instead, he joined the House of Lords, which is another part of the British Parliament, where peers discuss and vote on laws.
Supporting Important Decisions
Lord Bulkeley often supported William Pitt, who was a very influential Prime Minister. For example, he supported Pitt during a big discussion about who should rule the country in 1788. Later, in 1806, he was part of a trial in the House of Lords for Viscount Melville and voted that he was guilty on some charges.
Beaumaris Castle
In 1807, Lord Bulkeley bought Beaumaris Castle from the Crown for £735. He made the castle part of the large park around his home, Baron Hill. Some people believe that stones from the castle might have been used later to build the nearby Beaumaris Gaol in 1829.
Family and Legacy
On April 26, 1777, Thomas married Elizabeth Harriet Warren. She was the only daughter of Sir George Warren. In 1802, Thomas legally changed his name to Thomas James Warren-Bulkeley.
Thomas and Elizabeth did not have any children. He passed away in 1822. His nephew, Sir Richard Williams, inherited his property. Sir Richard then added "Bulkeley" to his own name to continue the family name.
Remembering Thomas Bulkeley
Inside St Mary's Church in Beaumaris, there is a special memorial for Thomas Bulkeley. It includes an old brass plaque and a monument to remember him.
