DRAKE, Sir Francis Henry, 5th Bt. (1723-94), of Buckland and Nutwell Court, Devon.

Succeeding as a minor, Drake was returned for Bere Alston on the family interest at the first general election after his coming of age. He supported Pelham, who recommended him to the King for a Household place, explaining that ‘he has a borough of his own and is otherwise of consequence in the West of England’.To Newcastle, 29 Sept. 1752, Add. 32729, f. 396. Continuing to support successive Administrations, he died 19 Feb. 1794.