Thomas Foley, 2nd Baron Foley (1703–1766) facts for kids
Thomas Foley, 2nd Baron Foley (1703 – 8 January 1766) was an important figure in 18th-century England. He was the oldest son of Thomas Foley, 1st Baron Foley. When his father passed away in 1733, Thomas inherited a very large estate called Great Witley. This estate included busy ironworks in places like Wilden and Shelsley Walsh.
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Building a Beautiful Church
Thomas Foley's father had a big dream: he wanted to rebuild the local church, St. Michael's and All Angels. This church was very close to the family's large home, Witley Court. Sadly, his father died before he could start this project.
Completing the Church Project
After his father's death, Thomas and his mother, Mary, took on the important task of rebuilding the church. They finished the work in 1735. The famous architect James Gibbs designed the building.
Adding Grand Decorations
The church became even more special in 1747. Lord Foley bought amazing decorations from the chapel at Cannons. Cannons was a grand palace owned by Lord Chandos in Edgware. Thomas then hired skilled workers to copy the beautiful plasterwork from Cannons. This made the church one of the most stunning baroque churches in Britain.
Life and Legacy
Unlike his father and his three younger brothers, Lord Foley did not become a member of the House of Commons. This was the main law-making body in Britain. He also never got married.
Passing on the Estate
When Lord Foley died, his large estates went to a distant cousin named Thomas Foley of Stoke Edith. The title "Lord Foley" was brought back for this cousin in 1776. The new Lord Foley later wrote in his will that his predecessor was his "great benefactor," meaning someone who had helped him a lot.
Becoming a Royal Society Member
In 1740, Thomas Foley was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group of scientists and thinkers. Around the same year, he also bought the Manor of Great Malvern in Malvern from Lord Mountfort. His family continued to be the main landowners, or Lord of the Manor, of Great Malvern throughout the 1800s.
