Thomas Foley (died 1677) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Foley
|
|
|---|---|
Witley Court, Worcestershire
|
|
| Born | 3 December 1617 |
| Died | 1 October 1677 (aged 59) |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Ironmaster and politician |
Thomas Foley (1617–1677) was an important English businessman and politician. He was known as an ironmaster, meaning he owned and managed businesses that made iron. He also served as a member of the House of Commons, which is a part of the English Parliament.
Contents
The Life of Thomas Foley
Early Life and Business Success
Thomas Foley was born in 1617. He was the oldest son of Richard Foley, who was also a successful ironmaster in the Midlands area of England, near Stourbridge. An ironmaster was a person who ran ironworks, which were like factories that made things from iron.
Thomas took over his father's business. He was very good at it and made a lot of money in the 1650s and 1660s. He used this money to buy large areas of land and estates. He also held an important local position as the High Sheriff of Worcestershire from 1656 to 1657.
His Time as a Politician
Thomas Foley became a Member of Parliament (MP) several times. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the country's government.
- In 1659, he was elected as an MP for Worcestershire. This was during a time called the Third Protectorate Parliament.
- In 1660, he was elected MP for Bewdley in a special meeting of Parliament called the Convention Parliament.
- Later, in 1673, he was again elected MP for Bewdley in the Cavalier Parliament.
Building and Giving Back
Thomas Foley used some of his wealth to build a grand house called Witley Court.
He also cared about helping others. In the late 1660s, he started a school in Stourbridge called Old Swinford Hospital. This school was a "bluecoat" school, which meant the students wore blue uniforms. He made sure the school would continue to be supported even after he died by leaving money for it in his will.
His Family
Thomas Foley married Anne Browne. They had four sons and two daughters:
- Thomas Foley
- Paul Foley
- Philip Foley
- Samuel Foley
- Martha Foley
- Sarah Foley
His granddaughter, Elizabeth Foley (daughter of his son Thomas), later married Robert Harley, who became a very important politician and even a Prime Minister. Thomas Foley eventually handed over his successful iron business to his sons.
