Thomas Foley, 1st Baron Foley (1673–1733) facts for kids
Thomas Foley, 1st Baron Foley (born November 8, 1673 – died January 22, 1733) was an important English landowner and politician. He lived at Witley Court in Worcestershire. Thomas Foley was also an ironmaster, which means he owned and managed businesses that made iron.
He was a member of the Tory Party, a political group in England. He served in the English House of Commons and later the House of Commons of Great Britain from 1694 until 1712. In 1712, he was given the special title of Baron Foley. This made him a peer, which meant he could sit in the House of Lords. He was one of 12 new peers created at that time to help the government get more votes in the House of Lords.
Thomas Foley was the oldest son of another man named Thomas Foley. When his father passed away, Thomas inherited the large Great Witley estate. He had two younger brothers, Edward Foley and Richard Foley.
He went to school at Sheriffhales academy in 1689 and later studied in Utrecht for several years. He also became a member of Lincoln's Inn, a place where lawyers are trained, in 1695.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
Thomas Foley became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Stafford in 1694. This happened after a special election called a "by-election." He was re-elected without anyone running against him in the 1695 English general election.
In 1696, he helped with a "land bank," which was a type of financial organization. He continued to represent Stafford in Parliament until 1712. That year, he was made a Baron. This was suggested by the Lord High Treasurer, the Earl of Oxford. The goal was to give the government more support in the House of Lords.
His Iron Business
Thomas Foley was involved in the iron industry. In 1708, the agreements for the ironworks at Wilden and Shelsley Walsh ended. Foley decided to take over these ironworks himself.
He and the future owners of his estate continued to run these ironworks as part of their family business until 1776. This shows he was a skilled businessman as well as a politician.
Family Life
Thomas Foley married a woman named Mary Strode. They had seven children together. Sadly, five of their children passed away before their parents did.
His only son who survived was also named Thomas Foley, 2nd Baron Foley. When this son died, the title of Baron Foley ended for a while. However, the family estates went to a distant cousin, Thomas Foley of Stoke Edith. The title of Baron Foley was then brought back for this cousin in 1776.
Recognition and Achievements
In 1696, Thomas Foley was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group of scientists and thinkers. Being a Fellow means he was recognized for his knowledge and contributions.
