Thomas Foley (auditor of the imprests) facts for kids
Thomas Foley (born around 1670 – died December 10, 1737) was an important person in British history. He lived at Stoke Edith Court in Herefordshire, England. Thomas Foley was a wealthy landowner and a politician who belonged to the Tory party. He was a member of the English and British Parliament for many years, from 1691 until his death in 1737. He also held a special job called the "auditor of the imprests," which was a position that paid him without requiring much work.
Early Life and Family Background
Thomas Foley was the oldest son of Paul Foley. His father was also a Member of Parliament and a successful ironmaster. An ironmaster was someone who owned and managed ironworks, which were factories that made iron. When his father passed away in 1699, Thomas inherited his family's lands and businesses near Stoke Edith in Herefordshire.
A Career in Politics
Thomas Foley spent most of his adult life as a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to represent a group of people in the country's government. He represented different areas during his long career:
- He was the MP for Weobley from 1691 to 1698, and again from 1699 to 1700.
- Then, he represented Hereford from 1701 to 1722.
- Later, he became the MP for Stafford from 1722 to 1727.
- He returned as the MP for Stafford in 1734 and served until he died.
Iron Business Leader
Besides his political work, Thomas Foley was also a very important ironmaster. He was one of the main leaders in the iron industry in the Forest of Dean area. This was a big business that made iron, which was used for many things, like tools and buildings.
At first, other people helped manage his iron businesses. John Wheeler and then William Rea were in charge. However, William Rea was dismissed in 1725. After that, Thomas Foley's iron business slowly became smaller, and he ran it without outside partners.
His Family
Thomas Foley was married to Anne. She was the daughter and heir of Essex Knightley, who lived in Fawsley, Northamptonshire. Thomas and Anne had one son, also named Thomas Foley. They also had two daughters, Anne and Mary.
