Thomas Cartwright (politician) facts for kids
Thomas Cartwright (born 1671, died 1748) was an important English landowner and politician. He lived at Aynho Park in Northamptonshire. He was a member of the English and later British Parliament for many years, from 1695 until his death in 1748. Because he served for such a long time, he eventually became known as the "Father of the House," which meant he was the longest-serving member of Parliament.
Early Life and Education
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Thomas Cartwright was the only son of William Cartwright and Ursula Fairfax. His family lived in Aynho, Northamptonshire, and Bloxham, Oxfordshire. When he was just five years old in 1676, both his father and grandfather passed away, and Thomas inherited their estates.
He went to St Catharine's College, Cambridge in 1687 to study. His tutor there was a man named Samuel Bradford.
Political Career
Thomas Cartwright started his public service as High Sheriff of Northamptonshire in 1693. A High Sheriff was a very important local official, like a chief law enforcement officer for the county.
In 1695, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Northamptonshire. Being an MP meant he represented the people of his area in the government. This first election was quite expensive and competitive. He lost the election in 1698 but became High Sheriff of Oxfordshire in 1699.
He was elected again in 1701 and continued to serve in Parliament. He was known as a Tory politician. Tories were one of the main political groups at the time, often supporting the King and the Church of England. He was re-elected many times, often without anyone running against him.
In 1710, he voted against the impeachment (a formal accusation of wrongdoing) of Dr. Sacheverell, a famous preacher. He was also part of a political group called the October Club.
Aynhoe Park and Other Projects
Between 1707 and 1711, Thomas Cartwright had his home, Aynhoe Park, redesigned and improved. The famous architect Thomas Archer is thought to have done the work because of its style.
In 1711, a scholar named Joseph Wasse became the new rector (a type of priest) of Aynho. He was very impressed with the large library belonging to Thomas Cartwright's wife, Armine.
Thomas Cartwright often visited Bath, a popular city known for its hot springs. There, he spent time with other important Tory families.
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From 1723 to 1725, he paid for the rebuilding of the local church in Aynho, St Michael's Church, except for its tower. He also gave money to help build the church in Fenny Stratford, which is remembered on its ceiling.
He continued to be re-elected as MP for Northamptonshire in 1713, 1715, 1722, 1727, 1734, and 1741. In 1716, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society, a very respected group of scientists and thinkers.
Thomas Cartwright passed away on March 10, 1748, at the age of 77, and was buried in Aynho.
Family Life
In 1699, Thomas Cartwright married Armine Crew. She was the daughter of Thomas Crew, 2nd Baron Crew.
They had two sons and three daughters. Their elder son, William Cartwright, also became a Member of Parliament for Northamptonshire. Thomas Cartwright's great-grandson was William Ralph Cartwright. His sister, Rhoda, married Lord Henry Cavendish.
