THORNHAGH, John (c.1721-87), of Osberton and Shireoaks, Notts. and South Kelsey, Lincs.

Thornhagh came of a wealthy family of Whig country gentlemen. His grandfather represented East Retford on his own interest from 1688-1705 and the county from 1705-10. Of his father, who never stood but played an influential part in county politics, Newcastle wrote: ‘My opinion has always been, ever since I knew Nottinghamshire, that if Mr. Thornhagh could be prevailed upon to stand, he would be the most proper person’.Newcastle to Duke of Kingston, 1 July 1738, Add. 32691, f.216. With the support of both parties he was unanimously chosen in 1747 to stand for Nottinghamshire, which he represented without a contest for twenty-seven years. Classed as a government supporter in 1747, throughout his career he remained connected with Newcastle, both in national and in county politics. Independent and disinterested, he often sought favours for his constituents, but never for himself.Add. 32976, ff.117, 128-9.

He died 17 May 1787.