Thomas Ridge (MP) facts for kids
Thomas Ridge (born around 1671, died 1730) was an important person from Portsmouth, England. He was a successful businessman who made beer and traded goods. He also became a politician, serving in the House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament. He was a member of the Whig political group.
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Early Life and Business
Thomas Ridge was the son of Richard Ridge, who was also a brewer in Portsmouth. His father was a respected leader in the town, serving as an alderman and mayor.
In 1691, Thomas took over his father's business. This included places where beer was made (breweries) and where barrels were built (cooperage works). He also owned malthouses, which are used to prepare grains for brewing.
Thomas Ridge was involved in many trading and fishing projects. He worked with merchants from London. In 1697, he married Elizabeth Ayles.
One of Ridge's most important roles was supplying beer and barrels to the British Navy. This business grew a lot during the wars with France. Portsmouth was a major base for the navy's ships.
Because of his successful businesses, Thomas Ridge became a very well-known person in Portsmouth. He even had the honor of hosting the Queen of Portugal when she visited the town in 1708.
Political Career
In 1708, Thomas Ridge decided to run for Parliament. He was supported by the Whig party and a powerful noble, the Duke of Bolton. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Poole.
As an MP, he showed his support for the Whig party. For example, he voted to allow people from a region called Palatine to become British citizens. He also voted to remove a person named Dr. Sacheverell from his position.
Challenges in Politics
Thomas Ridge was involved in some political disagreements in Portsmouth. He was made an alderman in 1709. However, in 1710, he was removed from this position.
He was re-elected as an MP for Poole in 1710. But after a change in the government, some members of the Tory party looked into how the previous government had managed things. They found some problems with how brewers, including Ridge, had supplied the navy.
The Parliament decided that Ridge had done some things wrong. Because of this, he was removed from the House of Commons on February 15, 1711. After this, he focused on his businesses in Portsmouth.
Return to Parliament
Thomas Ridge did not run for Parliament again for several years. However, in 1722, he was elected once more as an MP for Poole. This time, no one ran against him. He did not seek re-election in 1727.
Later Life and Legacy
Thomas Ridge passed away on February 10, 1730. He was buried in Portsmouth. He had five sons and one daughter.
He left his brewing business to his oldest son, Thomas. His other children received his other properties, including homes in Portsmouth and farms in Sussex and Hampshire.
