Thomas Robinson, 1st Baron Grantham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Grantham
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| Leader of the House of Commons | |
| In office 23 March 1754 – October 1755 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Pelham |
| Succeeded by | Henry Fox |
| Secretary of State for the Southern Department | |
| In office 23 March 1754 – October 1755 |
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| Preceded by | The Earl of Holderness |
| Succeeded by | Henry Fox |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1695 Grantham, England |
| Died | 30 September 1770 (aged 74/75) |
| Cause of death | Stroke |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouse | Frances Worsley |
| Children | 8 |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Cambridge |
Thomas Robinson, 1st Baron Grantham, was an important British diplomat and politician. He lived from about 1695 to 1770. He was also known as the 1st Baron Grantham. He served in the British Parliament, called the House of Commons, for many years. He was a member of the Whig political party.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Robinson was born around 1695. His father was Sir William Robinson, a Baronet. His father was also a Member of Parliament for York. Thomas grew up in Newby-on-Swale, Yorkshire.
He had an older brother named Sir Tancred Robinson. Thomas went to Trinity College at the University of Cambridge. He was a good student and became a fellow there.
A Career in Diplomacy
Thomas Robinson started his career as a diplomat in Paris. A diplomat represents their country in other nations. In 1727, he became a Member of Parliament for Thirsk. He was often away from Parliament because of his diplomatic work.
After Paris, he moved to Vienna, Austria. He served as the English ambassador there from 1730 to 1748. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat. In 1741, he tried to help make peace between Empress Maria Theresa and Frederick the Great. However, his efforts were not successful.
In 1742, he was honored as a Knight Companion of the Bath. This is a special award for service. In 1748, he represented Britain at the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle. This was an important meeting to end a war.
Important Political Roles
After his time in Vienna, Robinson returned to England. He served as a Member of Parliament for Christchurch from 1749 to 1761. In 1750, he became a member of the Privy Council. This group advises the King or Queen.
In 1754, Thomas Robinson received two very important jobs. He became the Secretary of State for the Southern Department. This role was like a foreign minister for southern Europe. He also became the Leader of the House of Commons. This person helps manage the government's work in Parliament.
He was appointed by the Prime Minister, the Duke of Newcastle. Some politicians, like William Pitt, were surprised by his appointment. In November 1755, he left these roles. In April 1761, he was given the title Baron Grantham. This made him a member of the House of Lords.
Later Life and Legacy
Lord Grantham continued to serve in other roles. He was the Master of the Great Wardrobe from 1749 to 1754, and again from 1755 to 1760. This job involved managing royal supplies. He was also a joint Postmaster-General in 1765 and 1766. This role was in charge of the postal service.
He married Frances Worsley on July 13, 1737. They had two sons and six daughters. Thomas Robinson died in London on September 30, 1770. His oldest son, Thomas, inherited his title.
The town of Grantham, New Hampshire in the United States of America is named after him.
