Thomas Foley, 1st Baron Foley (1716–1777) facts for kids
Thomas Foley, 1st Baron Foley (born August 8, 1716 – died November 18, 1777), was an important British landowner and politician. He owned a lot of land and helped make laws in the government.
Early Life and Family
Thomas Foley was the son of Thomas Foley, who was also a Member of Parliament (MP). His mother was Hester Andrews. The Foley family was well-known, tracing their roots back to a famous ironmaster named Thomas Foley. An ironmaster was someone who owned and managed ironworks, which were factories that made iron.
Thomas Foley went to school at Westminster School from 1724 to 1732. After that, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, starting in 1732.
Inheriting Estates
When his father passed away in 1749, Thomas Foley inherited the Stoke Edith estate in Herefordshire. This was a large property with land and buildings.
He also inherited even more land and wealth from his cousin, who was also named Thomas Foley. This cousin was the 2nd Baron Foley, but his title ended when he died in 1766. Because of this, Thomas Foley inherited Witley Court and the huge Great Witley estate. This estate included ironworks at places like Wilden and Shelsley Walsh. These ironworks were rented out to others later in his life.
Political Career
Thomas Foley was elected to the House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament. He first represented the area of Droitwich in 1741. He served there until 1746, and then again from 1754 to 1768.
After that, he was elected to represent Herefordshire from 1768 to 1776. In 1776, the title of Baron Foley was brought back, and Thomas Foley was given the title of Baron Foley of Kidderminster. This meant he became a peer, a member of the nobility, and could sit in the House of Lords.
Family Life
Lord Foley married Grace Granville in 1740. She was the daughter of George Granville, 1st Baron Lansdowne. They had seven children together:
- Thomas Foley, 2nd Baron Foley (1742–1793): He inherited the Great Witley estate from his father.
- Grace Foley (January 1, 1743 – January 9, 1813): She married James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil, in 1774.
- Edward Foley (1747–1803): He inherited his father's original Stoke Edith estate.
- Andrew Foley (around 1748–1816): He inherited the Newent estate.
- Anne Foley (died December 9, 1794): She married Sir Edward Winnington, 2nd Baronet, in 1776.
- Elizabeth Foley (before 1769 – October 13, 1776)
- Mary Foley (died December 1844): She married Richard Clerk.
Thomas Foley, 1st Baron Foley, passed away in November 1777, when he was 61 years old. His oldest son, Thomas, inherited his title and became the 2nd Baron Foley.
