Thomas Clifford, 1st Baron Clifford of Chudleigh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Clifford of Chudleigh
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| Member of the English Parliament for Totnes |
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| In office 1660–1673 Serving with
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| Succeeded by |
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| In office 28 November 1672 – 24 June 1673 |
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| Preceded by | In Commission |
| Succeeded by | The Viscount Latimer |
| Treasurer of the Household | |
| In office 1668–1672 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Fitzhardinge, 2nd Viscount Fitzhardinge |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Newport |
| Comptroller of the Household | |
| In office 1666–1668 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Hugh Pollard, Bt |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Newport |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Clifford
1 August 1630 |
| Died | 17 October 1673 (aged 43) |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Martin |
| Children | 15, including Hugh Clifford |
| Parents |
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Thomas Clifford, 1st Baron Clifford of Chudleigh (born August 1, 1630 – died October 17, 1673) was an important English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, from 1660 to 1672. In 1672, he was given the title Baron Clifford. He was one of five main politicians who worked together in the Cabal ministry between 1668 and 1674, during the time of King Charles II.
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Who Was Thomas Clifford?
Thomas Clifford was born in a place called Ugbrooke in Devon, England. His father was Hugh Clifford, and his mother was Mary Chudleigh. He started his education at Exeter College, Oxford in 1647. Later, he studied law at Middle Temple in 1648.
Early Political Career
In April 1660, Thomas Clifford was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Totnes. This was for a special meeting of Parliament called the Convention Parliament. He was elected again for Totnes in 1661 for another Parliament, known as the Cavalier Parliament.
He showed great skill in naval battles and was honored with a knighthood. During the Second Anglo-Dutch War, he helped take care of sick and wounded sailors. He also looked after prisoners of war.
Important Roles in Government
In 1665, Clifford was sent as a special ambassador to Sweden. He also visited Denmark before returning to Britain. In 1666, he became the Comptroller of the Household, a role that managed the royal household. He also joined the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the King.
After the Second Anglo-Dutch War ended in 1669, he worked to support French interests. He was part of a group of five advisors known as the Cabal. Each member of this group had their own goals.
King Charles II trusted Clifford with important state papers. These papers were about the 1670 Treaty of Dover. This treaty led to a war between England and the Netherlands.
Becoming a Baron and Lord High Treasurer
Thomas Clifford was made the first Baron Clifford of Chudleigh on April 22, 1672. This was because he suggested a way for King Charles II to get money. He proposed that the King stop all payments from the royal treasury for one year.
He then became the Lord High Treasurer from November 28, 1672, to June 1673. This was a very important job, managing the country's money. However, he had to resign from this role. At the time, there was a law called the Test Act. This law meant that people who were Roman Catholic could not hold public office. Since Thomas Clifford was Roman Catholic, he could no longer serve as Lord High Treasurer.
He passed away a few months after he retired from his position.
Family Life
Thomas Clifford married Elizabeth Martin, who passed away in 1709. She was from Lindridge House in Devon. They had fifteen children together.
Children of Thomas and Elizabeth Clifford
- Elizabeth (born before 1655), died as a baby.
- Elizabeth (born 1655), died 1677.
- Mary (born 1658), died October 9, 1715.
- Amy (born 1661), died 1693.
- Anne (born 1662), died 1678.
- Rhoda (born 1665), died 1689.
- Isabel Clifford (born between 1665 and 1669), died as a baby.
- Catherine Clifford (born 1670), died 1708.
- Thomas (born before 1652), died as a baby.
- Thomas (born before 1652), died as a baby.
- Thomas (born December 3, 1652), died in 1671 in Florence, Italy.
- George (born between 1653 and 1662), died as a baby.
- Hugh, 2nd Baron Clifford of Chudleigh (1663–1730)
- Simon (born 1666), died at an unknown date.
- Charles (born 1671), died July 4, 1691.
