Thomas Holmes, 1st Baron Holmes facts for kids

Thomas Holmes, 1st Baron Holmes (born November 2, 1699 – died July 21, 1764) was an important British politician. He served as the Vice-Admiral and Governor of the Isle of Wight from 1763 to 1764. He was also a member of the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, between 1727 and 1774. Thomas Holmes was known for managing elections on the Isle of Wight to support the government's chosen candidates during the 1750s and 1760s.

Who Was Thomas Holmes?

Thomas Holmes was born on November 2, 1699. He was the oldest son of Henry Holmes, who was also a Member of Parliament (MP). His mother was Mary Holmes. Mary was the daughter of Sir Robert Holmes, another famous MP.

Thomas Holmes first married Anne Apsley. She was the widow of Colby Apsley and the daughter of Henry Player. After Anne passed away, he married Catherine Leigh.

Thomas Holmes's Political Journey

Starting as an MP

In 1727, Thomas Holmes became a Member of Parliament for Newtown. His family shared political influence in Newtown with another family, the Worsleys. At first, he voted against the government on some issues. Because of this, he lost his seat in Parliament in 1729.

However, he was elected again for Newtown in 1734 without anyone running against him. He continued to vote against the government on certain topics, like the Spanish convention in 1739. In 1738, his father passed away. Thomas then took over his family's lands and political interests on the Isle of Wight.

Working with the Government

Thomas Holmes decided not to run for election in 1741. Instead, he helped his brother, General Henry Holmes, get elected for Newtown. After this, Thomas made a deal with Sir Robert Walpole, a very powerful politician. Thomas agreed to support the government. In return, he would become the government's main contact for elections on the Isle of Wight. This included the towns of Newtown, Newport, and Yarmouth.

Even after Walpole's government changed, Thomas Holmes renewed his agreement with Pelham, another important leader. It was agreed that Thomas and his family would get the first choice of seats in Parliament from these areas. In 1747, he and his brother Henry were elected for Yarmouth without opposition.

Building Influence

Thomas Holmes didn't have the power to directly choose MPs like some other powerful landowners. But he used his influence to help government candidates win elections. He was re-elected as an MP for Yarmouth in 1754 and 1761. He also helped his brother, Admiral Charles Holmes, become an MP for Newport in 1758.

Thomas Holmes was so valuable to the government leaders, Pelham and Newcastle, that he received special payments for each seat he helped secure. In 1760, he was given a special title called a peerage. This made him Baron Holmes, of Kilmallock. In 1763, he was appointed Governor of the Isle of Wight.

Thomas Holmes's Family Tree

Thomas Holmes had one son from his first marriage, but his son died before him. When Thomas Holmes passed away in 1764, his special title (Baron Holmes) ended because he had no direct heir. However, the title was later given to his nephew, Leonard Holmes, in 1797.

Here is a simplified look at his family: