ALCOCK (ALCOCKE), Lawrence (1677-1723), of Midhurst and Trotton Place, Suss.

Alcock’s father had settled at Midhurst in the mid-17th century, when he began buying burgages there in alliance with the viscounts Montagu, lords of the borough, subsequently becoming steward there. Alcock himself was returned for Midhurst in February 1701 a few years after coming of age and continued to represent the borough until 1713. He was classed as a Tory by Robert Harley* in December 1701 though was not an active Member. In January 1703 he was given three weeks’ leave of absence for his health. In October 1704 he was noted as a probable supporter of the Tack, but after being lobbied by Harley voted against it on 28 Nov. On 6 Nov. he had been given 14 days’ absence due to his wife’s illness. Classed as ‘Low Church’ on a list of about June 1705, he voted against the Court candidate for Speaker on 25 Oct. 1705 and was listed as a Tory in early 1708. In another list of 1708, updated with the election returns, he was also classed as a Tory, and in 1710 he voted against the impeachment of Dr Sacheverell. He was given leave of absence for his health in January 1710. Having as usual been returned for Midhurst in 1710, he subsequently appeared in published lists as one of the ‘Tory patriots’ who opposed the continuance of the war, and as one of the ‘worthy patriots’ who, in the first session of this Parliament, detected the mismanagements of the previous administration. He did not stand again after 1713 and died on 3 July 1723. Since all his own sons died without issue, the property passed to his daughter’s second son, John Radcliffe, who was to sit for St. Albans in 1768.2Cowdray Archs. ed. Dibben, 28; PCC 21 Richmond.