HARRISON, Edward (1674-1732), of Balls Park, nr. Hertford.

Under Charles I, Harrison’s grandfather, a court official and financier, of a Lancashire family, settled in Hertfordshire, where his son Richard, Harrison’s father, became for many years a notable figure in local politics. Going to India as a purser, Harrison became a captain in the China trade. Between 1703 and 1709 he corresponded with Governor Pitt, whose son Robert married Harrison’s cousin, the daughter of Lord Grandison.Add. 22852, ff. 73-83; HMC Fortescue, i. 28-31. Appointed governor of Madras, during his period of office he largely rebuilt the settlement, put down a minor revolt, and was presented with a sword of honour by the Company.H. D. Love, Vestiges of Old Madras, ii. 131. Returning with a fortune, he entered Parliament for Weymouth, voted for the repeal of the Occasional Conformity and Schism Acts, but did not vote on the peerage bill in 1719, though listed as a supporter. In 1722 he successfully contested Hertford, giving up his seat in 1726 to become postmaster general. A leading figure in the East India Company, he corresponded with Newcastle (4 Sept. 1727, Jan. 1732) on the Company’s behalf over the attempts by the Emperor to set up the Ostend and Hamburg Companies.Add. 32751, f. 488; 32687, f. 445. He died 28 Nov. 1732. His daughter, who married the 3rd Viscount Townshend, was the mother of George and Charles Townshend.