Thomas Foley (died 1701) facts for kids
Thomas Foley (born around 1641 – died February 1, 1701) was an important person in England during the 1600s. He was the oldest son of another famous man named Thomas Foley, who was a successful ironmaster. An ironmaster was someone who owned and managed ironworks, which were factories that made iron.
When his father passed away in 1677, Thomas Foley inherited the family's large estate, which included a grand house called Witley Court in Great Witley.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Foley started his education at Pembroke College, Cambridge, a well-known university, in 1657 when he was 16 years old. He studied hard and earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in 1660.
After his university studies, he joined the Inner Temple in 1657. The Inner Temple is one of the four professional associations for barristers (a type of lawyer) in London. This meant he was preparing for a career in law.
Public Service and Politics
Thomas Foley was involved in public service and politics for many years.
High Sheriff of Worcestershire
In 1673, he was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Worcestershire. This was an important local role, responsible for keeping law and order in the county. He served in this position for about a year, until 1674.
Member of Parliament
Thomas Foley was also a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he was elected to represent people in the English Parliament. He served for different areas at different times:
- He represented Worcestershire from 1679 to 1685.
- He represented Worcestershire again from 1689 to 1698.
- Later, he represented Droitwich in 1699 and again in 1701.
He was known as a very active member of Parliament, meaning he worked hard and participated in many discussions and decisions.
Family and Legacy
Thomas Foley married Elizabeth Ashe, who was the daughter of Edward Ashe from Heytesbury, Wiltshire. They had a large family with four sons and four daughters. Many of his children also became important figures.
Thomas Foley's Children
- Thomas Foley (1673–1733): He became a very important person and was given the title of Baron Foley of Kidderminster in 1712. This meant he became a lord.
- Edward Foley (1676–1747) (1676–1747): He followed in his father's footsteps and was elected as a Member of Parliament for Droitwich twice.
- Richard Foley (1681–1732): He also became a Member of Parliament for Droitwich and served from 1711 to 1732.
- John Foley: Sadly, he drowned in 1710.
- Elizabeth Foley: She married Robert Harley, who later became a very powerful government official called the Lord Treasurer and was also made an Earl of Oxford. Elizabeth Foley is also a very distant ancestor of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Anne Foley: She married Salwey Winnington.
- Sarah Foley: She married Robert Harley's brother, Edward Harley, who was also a Member of Parliament.
- Mary Foley: She married Sir Blundel Charlton.
Thomas Foley passed away on February 1, 1701, leaving behind a significant legacy through his public service and his influential family.
