HAWKE, Martin Bladen (1744-1805), of Scarthingwell Hall, Yorks.

In 1768 Hawke was returned on the Admiralty interest for Saltash, and generally voted with Administration. He spoke several times in the House, and on a motion to inquire into the state of the nation, 9 Jan. 1770, ‘gave the characters of the Opposition, describing them to be factious and ambitious’.1Cavendish’s ‘Debates’, Egerton 3711, p. 12. In a long speech on the motion about half-pay naval captains, 9 Feb. 1773, he dwelt on the difficulties and dangers of life at sea and voted against Administration, appearing in the King’s list of the division as a friend for once voting in opposition. During the examination of papers and witnesses on the St. Vincent expedition, 12 Feb. 1773, Hawke queried the advisability of campaigning at that time of year, and asked about the number of deaths resulting from the expedition. He voted against Administration on Grenville’s Act, 25 Feb. 1774, and was classed by Robinson in September 1774 as ‘doubtful’. He contested York at the next general election, but was defeated.

He died 27 Mar. 1805.