TAYLOR, Philip (c.1652-1716), of Weymouth, Dorset

A local merchant, Taylor was returned at a by-election for Weymouth in March 1698 as a Whig, and successfully contested the seat in the general election which followed shortly afterwards. In a list drawn up in September of that year he was classed as a Court supporter. An inactive Member, he stood down at the first 1701 election, in order to accommodate his fellow Whig Hon. Maurice Ashley*. He continued to support the Whig interest locally, but did not stand for Parliament again. He died within a month of making his will on 6 Oct. 1716, and was buried in the parish church of Melcombe Regis. At the time of his death he owned property in Weymouth and Somerset, and was sufficiently wealthy to bequeath £700 apiece to his two daughters.3 Ibid. 437; PCC 215 Fox.