HEYWOOD, James Modyford (?1729-98), of Marystow, nr. Tavistock, Devon

Heywood was returned on the Edgcumbe interest after a contest. No vote by him is recorded before February 1774, but Thomas Davenport wrote to the Duke of Portland, 10 Feb. 1770, that Heywood would have Administration support at the next election.Portland mss. John Robinson’s first survey on the royal marriage bill listed him as ‘doubtful, present’, but even when voting with Opposition on Grenville’s Election Act, 25 Feb. 1774, he is marked in the King’s list as a friend, and before the general election was classed by Robinson as ‘pro’. There is no record of his having spoken in the House. He did not stand again for Parliament.

On 30 Dec. 1783 Pitt wrote to the King:Royal archives, Windsor.

Mr. Pitt flatters himself that the Admiralty commission is expedited, the name of Mr. Heywood, a relation of Lord Howe, out of Parliament, had been added to fill the vacancy for the present.

Heywood died 22 Apr. 1798.