Thomas Powys, 1st Baron Lilford facts for kids

Thomas Powys (born May 4, 1743 – died January 26, 1800) was an important British politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a big meeting place where laws are made in Britain. Later, he became a noble, known as the 1st Baron Lilford.

About Thomas Powys

Thomas Powys was the oldest son of Thomas Powys, who lived at Lilford Hall in Northamptonshire, England. He went to Eton College, a famous school, from 1755 to 1759. After that, in 1760, he studied at King's College, Cambridge, a well-known university.

His Early Career

When his father passed away in 1767, Thomas Powys took over the family estate. The next year, he was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire for 1768–69. This was an important local role, like a chief officer for the county.

Becoming a Politician

In 1774, Thomas Powys was elected to the House of Commons for Northamptonshire. He held this position for many years, until 1797. The House of Commons is where elected representatives discuss and create laws for the country.

In 1797, he was given a special honor. He was made a Baron Lilford, of Lilford in the County of Northampton. This meant he became a member of the peerage, a group of nobles, and was known as Lord Lilford.

His Family and Home

The main family home was Lilford Hall. Thomas Powys's great-grandfather, a judge also named Thomas Powys, first bought this large estate.

Lord Lilford married Mary Mann in 1772. They had a large family with six sons and seven daughters. Lord Lilford passed away in January 1800 when he was 56 years old. His oldest son, Thomas Powys, took over his title as the 2nd Baron Lilford. Lady Lilford, his wife, lived until 1823.

His Children

Here are the children of Lord and Lady Lilford:

Family Symbols: The Coat of Arms

Families like the Powys family often have a special symbol called a coat of arms. It's like a unique family badge.

Arms of Thomas Powys, 1st Baron Lilford

Crest A lion's jamb couped and erect Gules, holding a staff headed with a fleur-de-lis also erect Or. Escutcheon Or, a lion's jamb erased in bend dexter, between two cross crosslets fitchee in bend sinister Gules. Supporters Dexter, a reaper habited in a loose shirt, leather breeches loose at the knees, white stockings, and black hat and shoes ; in his hat ears of corn, in his right band a reaping-hook, and at his feet a garb, all proper. Sinister, a man in the uniform of the' Northamptonshire yeomanry cavalry, riz. a green long coat, orna-mented on the cuffs and button-holes with gold lace, yellow waistcoat and breeches, and black top boots ; a black stock ; a round hat, adorned with a white feather in front and a green one behind, the sword-belt inscribed with the letters N.Y. and the exterior hand resting on his sword sheathed and point downwards. Motto Parta Tueri (To maintain acquired possessions).

The motto for the Lilford family is "Parta Tueri." This Latin phrase means "To maintain acquired possessions." It suggests the family's goal to protect what they have gained.