Constituency Dates
Rye 13 Dec. 1749 – 54
Sussex 1754 – 17 Nov. 1768
Family and Education
b. 28 Feb. 1728, s. of Thomas Pelham of Stanmer. educ. Westminster 1740; Clare, Camb. 1745; Grand Tour (France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany) 1746-50. m. 15 June 1754, Anne, da. and h. of Frederick Meinhardt Frankland, 4s. 4da. suc. fa. 1737, 1st Duke of Newcastle as Baron Pelham of Stanmer 17 Nov. 1768; cr. Earl of Chichester 23 June 1801.
Offices Held

Ld. of Trade 1754 – 61, of Admiralty 1761 – 62; P.C. 6 Sept. 1765; comptroller of the Household 1765 – 74; surveyor gen. of the customs of London 1773 – d.; c.j. in eyre north of Trent 1774 – 75; keeper of the great wardrobe 1775–82.

Address
Main residence: Stanmer, nr. Lewes, Suss.
biography text

Thomas Pelham was returned for Rye by the Duke of Newcastle while absent on the grand tour. Next year Henry Pelham wrote to Newcastle:

The people of Rye complain a little of hearing nothing of their Member. Thomas Pelham must make ’em a visit before Christmas or else I fear we shall lose all our credit in that town, which I think at present is as well set as any of your boroughs in Sussex.112 Oct. 1750, Add. 32723, f. 142.

On Henry Pelham’s death Thomas succeeded him as knight of the shire. He followed Newcastle into opposition in the next reign, inheriting his Sussex estates.

He died 8 Jan. 1805.

Author
R.R.S.
Volume
Commons 1715-1754
Notes
  • 1. 12 Oct. 1750, Add. 32723, f. 142.