Thomas Chapman (MP) facts for kids
Thomas Chapman (born in 1663) was a British lawyer and a politician. He was a member of the Tory Party and served in the House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament, between 1710 and 1727.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Chapman was born in 1663 in Caldecote, Buckinghamshire, England. He was the oldest son of Roger Chapman, who was also a lawyer.
When he was 16, Thomas went to Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university, in 1679. He then studied law at a place called Inner Temple in 1680. In 1687, he became a qualified lawyer, which means he could practice law.
In 1682, Thomas Chapman married Elizabeth Goodman.
Public Service and Military Role
Thomas Chapman was involved in public life. In 1688, he was a Captain and helped to organize a local army group called the Buckinghamshire militia. He marched with them to meet the forces of William of Orange during an important historical event known as the Glorious Revolution.
In 1703, Thomas took over his father's properties. He also became a Deputy Lieutenant and a Justice of the Peace for Buckinghamshire. These roles meant he helped to keep law and order in the area.
Political Career
Thomas Chapman began his political journey in 1710. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Buckingham. As an MP, he worked hard in Parliament. He helped to write new laws and guide them through the parliamentary process.
He was re-elected for Buckingham in 1713 and continued to be a very active MP. However, in the 1715 election, he lost his seat in Buckingham.
Later, in 1722, he became an MP again for Amersham after a special election. But there is no record of him voting during this time. He did not run for election in 1727.
Later Life
Thomas Chapman sold his family home in Caldecote in 1744. We do not know exactly when he passed away. He had three sons and three daughters who survived him.
A historian named Browne Willis described Thomas Chapman as a "great justice of the peace." However, he also mentioned that Chapman "squandered his estate," meaning he spent his money unwisely.
