Thomas Clarke (died 1754) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Clarke (born around 1672, died 1754) was an important British lawyer and politician. He lived in Brickendon, Hertfordshire, England. He was a member of the Whig political group. Sir Thomas served in the English and British Parliament for many years, from 1705 to 1741.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Clarke was the oldest son of Sir Edward Clarke, who was once the Lord Mayor of London. His mother was Jane Clutterbuck. Thomas went to St Catharine's College, Cambridge in 1689. He also studied law at Middle Temple in 1690, which is one of the four Inns of Court in London where lawyers are trained.

In 1699, he married Elizabeth Pinfold. Thomas Clarke and his brother-in-law, Maynard Colchester, were among the first members of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in 1701. This group worked to spread Christian teachings. Both men had studied law and enjoyed landscape gardening.

In 1703, Thomas took over his father's estate in Brickendon. He became a country gentleman, helping out in his local area. In 1704, he became a Freeman of Hertford, which meant he had special rights in the town. He did many good things for his community. He built a gallery in the church and put chimes in the steeple. He also helped 90 poor children go to school, gave them Bibles and other books, and gave out food to the poor at Christmas.

Political Career

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Thomas Clarke likely met William Cowper, another important figure, while studying law. In 1705, when he was old enough, Thomas ran for Parliament in Hertford. He ran with the support of William Cowper. Even though he didn't win the first vote, he asked for a review, and on December 6, 1705, he was officially made a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is someone who represents the people in the government.

As a Whig MP, he supported the government. In 1706, he was knighted, which means he became "Sir Thomas Clarke." This happened after he presented a message from his town to the Queen, congratulating her on a victory. He also became a practicing lawyer in 1706.

Re-elections and Government Support

Sir Thomas was re-elected as MP for Hertford in 1708. He was also appointed as a Commissioner for Charitable Uses in Hertford, helping to manage money for good causes. He continued to support the Whig party's ideas. For example, in 1709, he supported a law to help people from other countries become citizens. He also voted to take legal action against a person named Sacheverell in 1710.

However, he lost his seat in the elections of 1710 and 1713 when another political group, the Tories, became stronger.

Later Years in Parliament

After a new royal family, the Hanoverians, came to power, Sir Thomas Clarke won his seat back in Hertford. In the 1715 election, he again lost the first vote but was given his seat after a review on May 24, 1715. He generally worked with the government.

He faced a similar situation in the 1722 election, losing the first vote but getting his seat back on January 22, 1723. In 1723, he became a "bencher" at his law school, which is a senior position. In the 1727 election, he was elected without anyone running against him. He usually supported the government, except for a few times when he disagreed on money matters and tax laws.

In 1731, he became the Treasurer of his law school, managing its money. He was elected without opposition again in 1734. Sir Thomas Clarke retired from Parliament in 1741.

Death and Legacy

Sir Thomas Clarke passed away on October 26, 1754. He did not have any children. He left his property and money to his niece, Jane Morgan.