biography text
A distinguished naval officer, Thomas Grenville in 1743 captured a valuable Spanish treasure ship, with a cargo worth about £120,000 or £130,000, of which he estimated his share at £30,000 to £40,000. In 1746 he was brought in for Bridport by the influence of his brother George, then on the Admiralty board. In 1747, though it had been arranged that he should be sent on independent cruise, he was ordered by the Admiralty, in spite of George’s opposition, to join Anson’s squadron. He died of wounds received in the action off Cape Finisterre, 3 May 1747.1Grenville Pprs. i. 20-24, 58-63.