Thomas Osborne, 4th Duke of Leeds facts for kids

The Duke of Leeds as a child, in Highland costume, with a targe, a sword and a pistol beside him, in a landscape, oil on canvas, by Hans Hausing, 1726

The family crest of the Osborne family, Dukes of Leeds

Thomas Osborne, 4th Duke of Leeds (born 6 November 1713, died 23 March 1789), was an important British noble, politician, and judge. From the time he was born until 1729, he was known as the Earl of Danby. After that, until 1731, he was called the Marquess of Carmarthen. He later became the 4th Duke of Leeds.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Osborne was the only son of Peregrine Osborne, 3rd Duke of Leeds. His mother was Elizabeth, the youngest daughter of Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer.

Thomas went to Westminster School and then studied at Christ Church, Oxford. In 1731, he took over his father's title as Duke of Leeds. He earned a special degree called a Doctorate of Civil Law in 1738. A year later, he became a member of the Royal Society, which is a group for important scientists.

Public Service and Roles

Thomas Osborne held several important positions in the British government. In 1748, he became a Lord of the Bedchamber. This was a role where he attended to the King.

Later that year, in November 1748, he was made a Justice in Eyre south of Trent. This was a legal role, overseeing royal forests in the southern part of England. In June 1749, he was given a special honour: he became a Knight of the Order of the Garter. This is one of the highest honours in Britain.

In 1756, he left his role as a justice and became the Cofferer of the Household. This job involved managing the King's household expenses. A year later, he joined the Privy Council of Great Britain, a group of advisors to the King. From 1761 to 1774, he served as Justice in Eyre north of Trent, doing a similar job for the northern forests. He was also a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Riding of Yorkshire.

Family Life

On 26 June 1740, Thomas Osborne married Lady Mary Godolphin. She was the daughter of Francis Godolphin, 2nd Earl of Godolphin and Henrietta Godolphin, 2nd Duchess of Marlborough.

Thomas and Mary had three sons and one daughter. Thomas Osborne passed away on 23 March 1789, when he was 73 years old. He was buried in his family's chapel at All Hallows Church, Harthill, South Yorkshire. His son, Francis, took over his titles.

Here are some of their children:

• Harriot Osborne (born and died in 1744)
• Thomas Osborne, Marquess of Carmarthen (born 1747)
• Francis Godolphin Osborne, 5th Duke of Leeds (born 1751, died 1799)