Thomas Cherburgh Bligh facts for kids

Thomas Cherburgh Bligh (born around 1761, died 17 September 1830) was an important politician from Ireland. He was part of the Whig political group. He served in both the Irish Parliament and the British Parliament.

Early Life and Family

Thomas Cherburgh Bligh was the oldest son of Robert Bligh. His father was a very respected church leader, the Dean of Elphin. His mother was Frances Winthrop. Thomas had two sisters. One sister, Frances Theodosia Bligh, married Robert Jocelyn, who became the 2nd Earl of Roden. His other sister, Catherine Maria Bligh, married Hugh Howard.

Thomas's grandfather, Thomas Bligh, was also a politician. He was part of the Privy Council of Ireland, which was a group of advisors to the King or Queen. Thomas also had two uncles who were well-known. One uncle, John Bligh, was the 1st Earl of Darnley. The other uncle, Thomas Bligh, was a Lieutenant-General and famous for his service during the Seven Years' War. Both of his uncles also served in the Irish Parliament.

Thomas Cherburgh Bligh went to school in Armagh. He then studied at St John's College, Cambridge, a famous university in England.

Political Career

When his father passed away in 1778, Thomas inherited his family's estate. In 1783, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Athboy in the Irish Parliament. He was supported by his relative, John Bligh, who later became his brother-in-law and the 4th Earl of Darnley.

Thomas often voted against the government's plans. He and Lord Darnley did not vote on the Acts of Union 1800, which joined the Irish and British Parliaments.

In 1802, Thomas was elected as an MP for County Meath in the British Parliament. He won easily. He often voted with those who opposed the government. For example, he voted for an investigation into the Prince of Wales's money in 1803. He also voted against the government on defense issues in 1804.

Later, Thomas showed interest in supporting the government if he or his son could get a job in return. He told Viscount Castlereagh that he was willing to support the government. However, when he went back to Meath to share his new intentions, he faced problems. Lord Fingall, who supported rights for Catholics, refused to support him if he backed the current government.

Thomas was worried about the cost of an election if he didn't have support. He decided to withdraw his offer to support the government. He tried to avoid making promises during his campaign. In 1808, it was noted that he generally supported the opposition, though sometimes with hesitation.

His relative, Lord Darnley, continued to oppose the government. In 1810, Lord Darnley said that Thomas had rejoined his political group. Thomas then voted against the government on several issues, including an inquiry into the Scheldt expedition and for Catholic rights. He also sided with the opposition during discussions about who would rule while the King was ill (the Regency).

Thomas continued to vote for Catholic rights in 1811 and 1812. He also supported a motion that criticized the situation in Ireland. In 1812, Thomas did not seek re-election because his relationship with Lord Darnley had become difficult again. Thomas faced financial challenges that led him to spend his later years at King's Bench Prison. He stayed there until his death.

Personal Life

On 3 November 1790, Thomas Cherburgh Bligh married Lady Theodosia Bligh. She was the daughter of John Bligh, the 3rd Earl of Darnley. Her sister, Lady Catherine, married Charles Vane, who became the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry. Lady Theodosia's oldest brother, John, became the 4th Earl of Darnley. She also had two other brothers, General Edward Bligh and Colonel Hon. William Bligh.

Thomas and Lady Theodosia had six children:

• Thomas Bligh (died around 1828) was a captain in the Coldstream Guards, a famous army regiment. He married Helena Paterson.
• Frances "Fanny" Bligh (died 1834) married George Vicesimus Wigram in 1830.
• Sarah Bligh never married.
• Elizabeth Bligh married John Cuming in 1828 and had one daughter. She later married John Fountain Elwin in 1838.
• Edward Bligh (1797–1872) was a Deputy Lieutenant and a Justice of the Peace. He married Sophia Eversfield in 1827.
• Charles Bligh (1808–1892) married Fanny Catherine Parker in 1837.

Thomas Cherburgh Bligh passed away on 17 September 1830, in Southwark, London. His wife, Lady Theodosia, died almost ten years later on 21 January 1840.