NEALE, Robert (1706-76), of Corsham, Wilts.

Robert Neale, the son and heir of a wealthy Wiltshire clothier, acquired further estates in north Wiltshire both by marriage and purchase.J. A. Neale, Charters and Recs. Neales of Berkeley. In 1741 he stood on his own interest at Wootton Bassett as a government supporter, heading the poll. Consistently supporting the Administration, he was classed as ‘Old Whig’ in 1746. He was re-elected in 1747 but, despite heavy expenditure and much bribery, he was defeated in 1754, never standing again. He wrote to Newcastle on 15 Feb. 1755, ascribing the loss of his seat, interest, and £1,800 to having complied with Pelham’s wish that he should contest both seats.Namier, Structure, 431 n. 11. Nevertheless a secret service pension of £500 a year which he had been receiving from PelhamIbid. 437; Add. 33038, f. 415. was discontinued. He died 3 July 1776.