Thomas Stanwix facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Stanwix
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 1670 |
| Died | 14 March 1725 |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | War of the Spanish Succession |
Brigadier General Thomas Stanwix (born 1670 – died 14 March 1725) was an important officer in the British Army. He was also a politician who served in the House of Commons, which is where laws are made in Britain. He was even the Governor of Gibraltar, a key British territory.
Contents
Thomas Stanwix's Journey
Early Military Life and Politics
Thomas Stanwix joined the Army and became an officer by 1692. In 1702, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Carlisle. This meant he helped make decisions for the country.
In 1705, he became the Lieutenant-Governor for Carlisle. His main job there was to stop people from illegally moving goods across the border between England and Scotland.
Serving in War and as Governor
During a big conflict called the War of the Spanish Succession, Stanwix was part of the Battle of Caia in Portugal in 1703.
In 1711, he took on a very important role: Governor of Gibraltar. Gibraltar is a strategic place. While he was governor, he became much richer. Some people thought he should have focused more on making sure Britain got all the benefits from capturing Gibraltar in 1704. Even when he was replaced by David Colyear, he stayed on as lieutenant-governor for a few more months.
Return to England and Later Roles
Stanwix came back to England in 1713. He became the Mayor of Carlisle in 1715, which is like being the leader of the city. He also became a Deputy Lieutenant of Cumberland, which increased his influence in the Carlisle area.
He was a member of the Whig political group and strongly supported a powerful leader named Robert Walpole. Stanwix continued to serve as a Member of Parliament, representing different areas like Newport (Isle of Wight) and Yarmouth (Isle of Wight).
From 1721 until his death, he was also the Governor of Kingston-upon-Hull.
Caring for Soldiers
From 1714 to 1720, Stanwix was also the Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. This hospital was a special home for old and retired soldiers.
Thomas Stanwix passed away in 1725. He left his properties to his wife. After her death, they were to go to his nephew, John Roos, if he agreed to take the Stanwix family name.
