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Thomas Finch, 2nd Earl of Winchilsea facts for kids

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The Right Honourable
The Earl of Winchilsea
Member of the England Parliament
for Kent
In office
1628–1629
Serving with Sir Dudley Digges
Preceded by
Succeeded by Parliament suspended
Member of the England Parliament
for Winchelsea
In office
1621–1622
Serving with Edward Nicholas
Preceded by
  • William Binge
  • Thomas Godfrey
Succeeded by
Personal details
Born
Thomas Finch

13 June 1578
England
Died 4 November 1639(1639-11-04) (aged 61)
England
Spouse
Cecille Wentworth
(m. 1609)
Children Heneage Finch, 3rd Earl of Winchilsea
Parents
FinchArms
The coat of arms for the Finch family.

Thomas Finch, who became the 2nd Earl of Winchilsea, was an important English nobleman and politician. He was born on June 13, 1578, and passed away on November 4, 1639. He served as a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for England.

Growing Up and Family Life

Thomas Finch was the third son born to his parents, but he was the second son to survive into adulthood. His father was Sir Moyle Finch, 1st Baronet, and his mother was Elizabeth Finch, 1st Countess of Winchilsea. His mother was a very important woman in her own right.

Thomas had several brothers and sisters. His older brother was Sir Theophilus Finch, 2nd Baronet. One of his younger brothers, Sir Heneage Finch, became the Speaker of the House of Commons. This was a very important job in the English government.

His grandparents on his father's side were Sir Thomas Finch and Catherine Moyle. On his mother's side, his grandparents were Sir Thomas Heneage and Anne Poyntz. Sir Thomas Heneage held important roles in the government of Queen Elizabeth I. He was the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Vice-Chamberlain of the Household.

His Political Journey

Thomas Finch served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for two different areas in England. From 1621 to 1622, he represented the area of Winchelsea. Later, from 1628 to 1629, he was an MP for Kent. As an MP, he helped represent the people and make decisions for the country.

When his older brother, Sir Theophilus Finch, passed away in 1619, Thomas inherited his father's title, which was a baronetcy. This meant he became a "Sir." Even more important, when his mother, Elizabeth Finch, died in 1634, Thomas inherited her title. He became the Earl of Winchilsea. This was a very high rank among the English nobility.

His Own Family

In 1609, Thomas Finch married Cecille Wentworth. Her father was John Wentworth, who was a high-ranking official in Essex. Thomas and Cecille had one son and three daughters.

Their son, Heneage Finch, 3rd Earl of Winchilsea (born around 1627, died 1689), followed in his father's footsteps and became the 3rd Earl of Winchilsea. Heneage also had an interesting career, even serving as the British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire.

Thomas Finch, the 2nd Earl of Winchilsea, passed away on November 4, 1639. His son, Heneage, then took over his titles and responsibilities.

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