Thomas Smith (died 1728) facts for kids

Thomas Smith (born around 1686, died 1728) was an important person in British politics. He owned land in a place called South Tidworth, Hampshire. Thomas Smith was a member of the Whig party, which was one of the main political groups in Britain at the time. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons for many years, from 1709 to 1728.

Early Life and Family Connections

Thomas Smith was the oldest son of John Smith, who was also a very important Whig politician. His mother was Anne Strickland. Her father was Sir Thomas Strickland.

In March 1706, Thomas got a job as a Clerk of the Council. This probably happened because his father was so influential. A few months later, in July 1706, Thomas was sent on a special trip. He went with the son of the Earl of Scarbrough to visit the Elector of Hanover. They were there to give their fathers' greetings.

Starting His Political Career

Thomas Smith became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Milborne Port in May 1709. He likely had help from another MP for that area, Sir Thomas Travell. They might have been related.

In 1710, Thomas voted to remove Dr. Sacheverell from his position. Later that year, in the 1710 election, Thomas changed the area he represented. He became the MP for East Looe.

Changes in Office and Return to Parliament

In 1712, Thomas Smith and his father both lost their government jobs. The next year, in June 1713, Thomas voted against a bill about trade with France. He did not run for Parliament in the 1713 election.

However, Thomas Smith returned to Parliament after King George I became king. At this time, he was still known as a Whig.

Later Years in Parliament

In the 1715 election, Thomas Smith was elected as a Whig MP for Eye. He voted against some important laws, like the Septennial Act. This act changed how often elections were held. He also voted against repealing the Occasional Conformity and Schism Acts. These laws affected religious freedom. However, he did vote for the Peerage Bill, which was about the titles of nobles.

Thomas did not run for election in 1722. In 1723, his father passed away, and Thomas inherited the Tedworth House estate in South Tidworth.

In the 1727 election, after King George II became king, Thomas was elected MP for Tregony. He also got a new job in the royal court. He became the vice-chamberlain to Queen Caroline in 1727.

Death and Legacy

Thomas Smith never married. He passed away on August 3, 1728. His estate, Tedworth, was then inherited by Thomas Assheton.