biography text
Thomas Pelham was returned for Rye by the Duke of Newcastle while absent on the grand tour. Next year Henry Pelham wrote to Newcastle:
The people of Rye complain a little of hearing nothing of their Member. Thomas Pelham must make ’em a visit before Christmas or else I fear we shall lose all our credit in that town, which I think at present is as well set as any of your boroughs in Sussex.
12 Oct. 1750, Add. 32723, f. 142.
On Henry Pelham’s death Thomas succeeded him as knight of the shire. He followed Newcastle into opposition in the next reign, inheriting his Sussex estates.
He died 8 Jan. 1805.
Volume
Parliamentarian
58650