Thomas Jervoise (died 1743) facts for kids

Thomas Jervoise (born September 6, 1667 – died May 10, 1743) was an English politician. He was a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he was elected to represent people in the country's government.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Jervoise was the oldest son of another man named Thomas Jervoise and his wife Mary. When he was 15, in 1683, he started studying at New Inn Hall, Oxford University.

A Man of Faith

People at the time described Jervoise as a "godly squire," meaning he was a respected landowner who was very religious. He was a member of two important groups that helped spread Christian knowledge and support missions:

• The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK)
• The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG)

He was even one of the people who helped start the SPG!

His Time in Politics

Thomas Jervoise spent many years trying to get elected to Parliament.

First Attempts and Success

In 1690, Jervoise tried to become an MP for a place called Lymington, but he didn't win. He asked Parliament to look into the election results, but they said no.

However, he got another chance! In 1691, there was a special election called a "by-election" for Stockbridge, and this time, Jervoise was elected as an MP. He did not serve in Parliament between 1695 and 1698.

Representing Hampshire

Jervoise was elected to represent Hampshire in Parliament several times:

• In 1698
• In January 1701
• In November 1701

Election Challenges

In 1702, Jervoise tried to win seats in two different places: Hindon and Plympton Erle.

• He was elected in Plympton Erle, but later, on January 28, 1703, he lost his seat after a review of the election.
• He also challenged the election results in Hindon. He claimed there were issues with how one of the winning candidates, George Morley, got elected. Morley's election was canceled, and in a new election in November 1704, Jervoise won against Morley.

Later Elections

Jervoise was elected as an MP for Hampshire again in 1705. In 1708, he stepped aside so that Viscount Woodstock, the son of a powerful Earl, could run for the seat. When Viscount Woodstock became the Earl of Portland in 1709, Jervoise ran again in the by-election and won back his seat. However, he was defeated in the election of 1710.

Family Life

Thomas Jervoise was married twice.

• In 1691, he married Elizabeth, the daughter of Sir Gilbert Clarke. They had one son.
• In 1700, he married another Elizabeth. She was the daughter and heir of Sir John Stonhouse, 5th baronet. They had a son and a daughter.

His Estates

Running for Parliament many times was expensive. Because of the costs, Thomas Jervoise had to sell one of his properties, the manor of Stratford Tony in Wiltshire. However, he kept other important family estates, including:

• Northfield and Weoley Park in Worcestershire
• Britford in Wiltshire
• Herriard in Hampshire

He also gained more land in Essex through his second marriage.