Thomas Pelham, 1st Baron Pelham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Pelham
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| Member of the British Parliament for East Grinstead |
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| In office 1678–1679 |
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| Member of the British Parliament for Lewes |
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| In office 1679–1702 |
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| Member of the British Parliament for Sussex |
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| In office 1702–1705 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1653 |
| Died | 23 February 1712 |
| Spouses | Elizabeth Jones (m. 1679, died 1681) Grace Holles (m. 1686, died 1700) |
| Children | Elizabeth Townshend, Viscountess Townshend Lucy Pelham Grace Naylor Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne Henry Pelham Frances Wandesford, Viscountess Castlecomer Gertrude Polhill Lucy Clinton, Countess of Lincoln Margaret, Lady Shelley |
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Thomas Pelham, born around 1653, was an important English politician. He was known as the 1st Baron Pelham. He was a member of the Whig Party, a political group in England.
He is most famous for being the father of two future British Prime Ministers. His sons, Henry Pelham and the Duke of Newcastle, both served as the country's leader. Together, they were Prime Minister for 18 years.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Pelham was born in Laughton, Sussex, England. His father was Sir John Pelham, 3rd Baronet, and his mother was Lucy Sidney.
He went to school at Tonbridge School. Later, he continued his education at Christ Church, Oxford, which is a famous college at Oxford University.
His Political Career
Thomas Pelham was a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to represent people in the English Parliament. He held seats for several areas.
He represented East Grinstead from October 1678 to August 1679. After that, he was elected for Lewes in October 1679. He served as the Member of Parliament for Lewes until 1702.
From 1702 to 1705, he represented the larger area of Sussex. This showed his growing importance in politics.
Pelham also worked as a Lord Commissioner of the Treasury. This role involved managing the country's money. He held this position three times: from 1690 to 1692, 1697 to 1699, and 1701 to 1702.
In 1703, he inherited the title of Baronet from his father. Then, in 1706, he was given an even higher title. He became a peer, known as Baron Pelham of Laughton.
His Family and Children
Thomas Pelham married Elizabeth Jones on November 26, 1679. Elizabeth was the daughter of Sir William Jones, who was a top lawyer for the government.
Thomas and Elizabeth had two daughters:
- Hon. Elizabeth Pelham (who passed away in 1711). She married Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend.
- Hon. Lucy Pelham, who never married.
Elizabeth, Thomas's first wife, passed away in October 1681.
In May 1686, Thomas Pelham married Lady Grace Holles. Her father was Gilbert Holles, 3rd Earl of Clare. Thomas and Grace had two sons and five daughters:
- Hon. Grace Pelham (who passed away in 1710). She married George Naylor.
- Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle (1693–1768). He later became a Prime Minister.
- Hon. Henry Pelham (1694–1754). He also became a Prime Minister.
- Hon. Frances Pelham (who passed away in 1756). She married Christopher Wandesford, 2nd Viscount Castlecomer.
- Hon. Gertrude Pelham. She married Edmund Polhill.
- Hon. Lucy Pelham (who passed away in 1736). She married Henry Clinton, 7th Earl of Lincoln.
- Hon. Margaret Pelham (who passed away in 1758). She married Sir John Shelley, 4th Baronet.
It was quite remarkable that both of Thomas Pelham's sons, Thomas and Henry, went on to become Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom.
