Thomas Harley (of Kinsham) facts for kids
Thomas Harley (born around 1667, died 1738) was an important person in British politics a long time ago. He was a lawyer and also worked as a diplomat, which means he helped represent Britain in other countries. He was a member of Parliament, which is like being a representative in the government, from 1698 to 1715. Thomas Harley was a close friend and political partner of his cousin, Robert Harley, who was a very powerful leader.
Early Life
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Thomas Harley grew up in a place called Kinsham Court in Herefordshire, England. He was the oldest son of Thomas Harley and Abigail Saltonstall. His father passed away in 1685, and Thomas inherited the family estate.
He studied law and became a lawyer in 1690. This training helped him understand the rules and laws of the country, which was useful for his future in politics.
His Career in Politics
Thomas Harley started his public service in 1694 as a deputy lieutenant for Herefordshire. This role meant he helped the main representative of the King or Queen in his local area. In 1696, he also helped with a special project called a "land bank," which was a way to raise money for the government.
In 1697, he traveled to Spain and Portugal. On his way home, he saw the discussions happening for an important agreement called the Treaty of Ryswick, which ended a war.
With the help of his cousin Robert, Thomas Harley became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Radnorshire in 1698. He was a member of the Tory political group, just like his family. Tories generally supported the King and the traditional ways of doing things.
He was re-elected several times without anyone running against him. In 1701, he disagreed with plans for war, but he continued to support his party. He voted to support the actions of the House of Commons in a big political debate in 1702.
Thomas Harley continued to be re-elected as an MP. In 1705, he supported the government's choices on some important votes, even though he was a Tory. In 1708, he voted against the impeachment (a formal accusation of wrongdoing) of a person named Dr. Sacheverell.
In 1710, he was re-elected again. He was seen as a "worthy patriot" who wanted to fix problems from the previous government. He also supported peace in 1711. He helped with a new company called the South Sea Company, which was a big trading company. In June 1711, he became a Junior Secretary to the Treasury, which meant he helped manage the country's money.
A Diplomat for Britain
Thomas Harley was known for being witty and good at talking to people. He was part of a group of friends that included the famous writer Jonathan Swift. His polite and clever way of speaking made him a good choice for a diplomat.
In 1712, he was sent to Hanover (a German state) as an envoy. An envoy is like a special messenger or representative from one country to another. His job was to explain why Britain wanted to make peace with France, ending the War of the Spanish Succession. He was welcomed in Holland and Hanover, but his mission didn't fully succeed. The ruler of Hanover, who would later become King George I of Great Britain, was suspicious of him.
In Parliament, he voted for a bill about trade with France in 1713. He was re-elected for Radnorshire that same year. He went on another diplomatic trip to Hanover in 1714, but it was also unsuccessful. When King George became the new British king, Thomas Harley lost his job at the Treasury.
In the 1715 election, he lost his seat as an MP. He was also questioned about the peace talks he had been involved in and was held for about two months.
Later Life and Legacy
Thomas Harley never married. He passed away in January 1738. He left most of his property to his relative, Edward Harley, 3rd Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer.
