Thomas Newport, 1st Baron Torrington facts for kids
Thomas Newport, 1st Baron Torrington (born around 1655 – died May 27, 1719) was an English lawyer and politician. He was a member of the Whig Party, which was one of the main political groups in England at the time. Thomas Newport served in the English and British Parliament from 1695 until 1716. After that, he was given the special title of Baron Torrington.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Newport was born in High Ercall around 1655. He was the fifth son of Francis Newport, 1st Earl of Bradford, a very important person. His mother was Lady Diana Russell.
When he was about 17, in 1672, Thomas started studying at Christ Church, Oxford, which is a famous part of Oxford University. In 1678, he became a lawyer after training at the Inner Temple. This was one of the main places where lawyers were trained in London.
Political Journey
Thomas Newport began his political career in 1695. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for a town called Ludlow. An MP is someone who represents the people of a certain area in the country's government.
In 1699, he got an important job as a Commissioner of Customs. This meant he helped collect taxes on goods that came into or left the country. He held this job until 1712.
Later, in 1715, Thomas Newport was elected as an MP again, this time for Wenlock. In the same year, he became a Lord of the Treasury. This was a very important role, helping to manage the country's money. He kept this job until 1718.
In 1716, Thomas Newport received a special honor. He was made a Baron Torrington. This meant he became a member of the Peerage of Great Britain, a group of people with high social rank and special titles. Because of this, he left his seat as an MP. In 1717, he also joined the Privy Council of Great Britain, which was a group of advisors to the King. From 1718 until he died, he worked as a Teller of the Exchequer, helping to manage the government's money.
Family and Legacy
Thomas Newport, 1st Baron Torrington, passed away on May 27, 1719. He was buried in Wroxeter.
He was married three times during his life. His first wife was Lucy Atkyns, who died in 1696. Then, in 1700, he married Penelope Mary Bridgeman. Sadly, she died just five years later. His third wife was Anne Pierrepont, whom he married in 1709.
Thomas Newport did not have any children with his wives. Because of this, when he died, his title of Baron Torrington ended. He left his collection of paintings to his brother, Lord Bradford.
