Thomas Pelham, 1st Baron Pelham
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Thomas Pelham, 1st Baron Pelham of Laughton Bt (c. 1653 – 23 February 1712) was a moderate English Whig politician and Member of Parliament for several constituencies. He is best remembered as the father of two British prime ministers (Henry Pelham and the Duke of Newcastle) who, between them, served for 18 years as first minister.
The Lord Pelham | |
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| Member of the British Parliament for East Grinstead | |
| In office 1678–1679 | |
| Member of the British Parliament for Lewes | |
| In office 1679–1702 | |
| Member of the British Parliament for Sussex | |
| In office 1702–1705 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1653[1] |
| Died | 23 February 1712 |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Jones (m. 1679, died 1681) Grace Holles (m. 1686, died 1700) |
| Children | Elizabeth Townshend, Viscountess Townshend Lucy Pelham Grace Naylor Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne Henry Pelham Frances Wandesford, Viscountess Castlecomer Gertrude Polhill Lucy Clinton, Countess of Lincoln Margaret, Lady Shelley |
| Parents |
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Pelham was born in Laughton, Sussex, the son of Sir John Pelham, 3rd Baronet and his wife Lucy Sidney (daughter of Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester). Pelham was educated at Tonbridge School and Christ Church, Oxford.
He sat for East Grinstead from October 1678 until August 1679. In October 1679 he was returned for Lewes, serving until 1702; he subsequently chose to sit for Sussex, a seat he held until 1705.[1]