PELHAM CLINTON, Thomas, Earl of Lincoln (1752-1795).

Lincoln had come in for Retford on the family interest since 1781, but his father’s disapproval of his choice of a wife steadily poisoned relations between them. On 21 May 1790 Newcastle wrote ‘I shall most readily comply with your wish of being out of Parliament, and shall accordingly take proper measures about it’. In the same letter his father warned him that if Lady Lincoln took her sons abroad, as she evidently meant to do, he would withdraw his allowance and ‘stop the interest’ on his remaining debts; and insisted on his giving up residence at Kelham, as he could not afford it.

Lincoln nevertheless resumed his seat at the ensuing election. He made no mark in the House. In April 1791 he was listed among the opponents of repeal of the Test Act in Scotland. In May he requested Pitt, whom he had supported, to make him governor of Jersey— he needed the extra income and preferred a military appointment to any other. Pitt replied that there was no vacancy but suggested an interview. Nothing came of it. Newcastle entailed everything he could on Lincoln’s heir. Lincoln died a year after succeeding to the dukedom, 18 May 1795.1Nottingham Univ. Lib. Newcastle mss NeC 2665; PRO 30/8/152, f. 116; 195, f. 96.