Thomas Freke (1660–1721) facts for kids

Thomas Freke (born January 17, 1660 – died 1721) was an English politician. He lived in a place called Hannington, in Wiltshire, England. Thomas Freke was a member of the Whig political group. He served in the English and later the British Parliament between 1685 and 1710. The House of Commons is where elected representatives make laws for the country.

Early Life and Family

Thomas Freke was the oldest son of Thomas Freke from Hinton St. Mary, Dorset. His mother was Elizabeth Clarke. She was the daughter of Sir William Clarke.

When he was 15, in 1675, Thomas Freke started studying at Wadham College, Oxford. He also joined the Middle Temple, which is a place where people train to become lawyers.

In 1683, Thomas Freke married Elizabeth Pile. She was the daughter of Thomas Pile. A year later, in 1684, Thomas Freke inherited Hannington Hall from his great-uncle.

His Time in Parliament

Thomas Freke became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the first time in 1685. He represented the area of Cricklade. An MP is someone elected to represent people in Parliament.

He faced some challenges in his early elections. In 1685, there was a dispute about his election, and he was not allowed to keep his seat. In 1689, he lost the vote in Cricklade but was later given the seat after a special review.

Later, in 1691, he became an MP for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis. He was re-elected for this area in 1698.

Around 1701, Thomas Freke decided not to run for Parliament. This was partly because of things happening in his personal life. That same year, his wife inherited some land, and they moved to live there.

He returned to Parliament in 1705, becoming an MP for Lyme Regis. He was the only candidate, so he won without a contest. He was re-elected for Lyme Regis in 1708.

While in Parliament, he voted on important issues. In 1709, he voted to allow people from a region called Palatine to become British citizens. In 1710, he voted in a trial against a person named Dr. Sacheverell. Thomas Freke stopped being an MP in 1710.

Later Life and Legacy

Thomas Freke's first wife, Elizabeth, passed away in 1714. He married his second wife, Mary Corbett, in 1718.

Thomas Freke did not have any children. He died in 1721. After his death, his family home, Hannington estate, went to his brother, William. William was a writer.