ASTLEY, Sir Jacob, 1st Bt. (c.1639-1729), of Melton Constable, Norf.

Astley belonged to one of the chief families of Norfolk, which he represented in most Parliaments for nearly 40 years. A Tory, he was won over to the Whigs by Walpole at George I’s accession, when he accepted a seat at the board of Trade, joining with a Whig to defeat two Tory candidates at the general election.J. H. Plumb, Walpole, i. 210 n. 2. In Parliament he voted for the septennial bill but followed Walpole into opposition in 1717, losing his place. Dropped in 1722,Account of Norfolk elections 1713-68, in Norwich City Central Lib. N.R.S. 13688, 28D4. presumably owing to his age, he died 17 Aug. 1729.