ANSON, Thomas (?1695-1773), of Shugborough Hall, Staffs.

After spending many years abroadJ. Wilmot, Life of Sir J. E. Wilmot, 199. Thomas Anson, a practising lawyer, was brought into Parliament as a Whig on the interest of his younger brother, Lord Anson, but took little interest in what he called the ‘cabal, intrigue, and ... huddle of politics’.8 Feb. 1748, Add. 15955, f. 72. In June 1748 he was sent to Paris by Lord Sandwich with a message to the French foreign minister relating to the peace negotiations.Ibid. f. 106. After his return to England, he was reminded of his parliamentary duties by his sister-in-law, Lady Anson, who wrote, 28 Mar. 1749,

I am commissioned by my Lord to desire Mr. Anson will be so good as not to forget how material his presence must be to the poor navy bill, for want of which, like an exposed foundling, it was very near being thrown out of the House the day of the adjournment.Staffs. Parl. Hist. (Wm. Salt Arch. Soc.), ii. 262.

Under George III he adhered to Newcastle and Rockingham.

He died 30 Mar. 1773.