Thomas Parkyns, 1st Baron Rancliffe facts for kids
Thomas Boothby Parkyns, 1st Baron Rancliffe, was an important English figure who lived from 1755 to 1800. He was a soldier, a member of the British Parliament, and also held a special title as an Irish peer called Baron Rancliffe.
His Early Life and Career
Thomas was the oldest son of Sir Thomas Parkyns, who lived at Bunny Hall in Nottinghamshire. He went to college at Queens' College, Cambridge, to get his education.
As an officer in the British Army, Thomas had an important job from 1783 to 1790. He was an equerry to Prince Henry, Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn. An equerry is like a personal assistant or attendant to a royal family member. Prince Henry was the third son of Frederick, Prince of Wales.
Thomas was also a close friend of the Prince of Wales. Because of this friendship, he was made a Colonel in a special military group called the Prince of Wales Fencibles in 1794. After Prince Henry passed away in 1790, Thomas took over the lease of Rookley Manor in Hampshire. He lived there until he died in 1800.
Thomas was also involved in politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Stockbridge in 1784. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's government. He served there until 1790. Then, he became an MP for Leicester in 1790 and served until 1800.
In 1787, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very respected group for people who are good at science. He was recognized as "a Gentleman well versed in various branches of Science." In 1795, he was given the special Irish title of Baron Rancliffe.
His Family
Thomas Boothby Parkyns married Elizabeth Anne. She was the daughter of Sir William James, who was also a Member of Parliament. Thomas and Elizabeth Anne had nine children together. His son, George, took over his title after Thomas passed away.
His daughter, Elizabeth Anne Parkyns, married Sir Richard Levinge. They were the parents of Reginald Thomas John Levinge. Another daughter, Mary Charlotte, was born in 1792 and lived until 1864. She became a Princess and Duchess of Polignac when she married Prince Jules de Polignac. He was a French Premier, which is like a prime minister, and the 3rd Duke of Polignac.
