KECK, Anthony James (?1740-82), of Stoughton Grange, nr. Leicester

The estate of Stoughton Grange gave Keck a considerable interest at Leicester, and in 1765 he was returned unopposed. He voted against the repeal of the Stamp Act, 22 Feb. 1766; against Chatham on the land tax, 27 Feb. 1767; and for the nullum tempus bill, 17 Feb. 1768.

In July 1767 he had announced that he would not again contest Leicester,Sir W. Meredith to the Duke of Portland, 28 July 1767, Portland mss. and in 1768 he was returned for Newton on the interest of his father-in-law. He voted consistently with the Opposition 1768-74, but then his attendance slackened, and only two votes are recorded: 22 Feb. 1775, for rescinding the resolution on the Middlesex election; and 12 Feb. 1779, for the contractors bill. Robinson in 1780 wrote about Keck and his colleague at Newton: ‘They are both bad attenders. Mr. Keck often with us when he does attend, but is a doubtful man.’ He did not stand in 1780. There is no record of his having spoken in the House.

He died v.p. 18 Feb. 1782.