RUSHOUT, Sir John, 5th Bt. (1738-1800), of Northwick Park, Glos.

Rushout and his father between them represented Evesham from 1722 to 1796 on a family interest dating back to Charles II’s reign, but had to face frequent contests. A peerage was Rushout’s aim when he gave up his habit of opposition and supported Pitt during the Regency crisis. He first applied for it on 27 Apr. 1789, adding, ‘I will venture to say, that should his Majesty confer the honour I solicit, before the next general election, I have no doubt but I can bring in any friend of yours, that you choose to name’. Some months afterwards he applied again and in March 1790, on Pitt’s advice, drew up for the King a memorial of his claims, in which he mentioned a promise to his grandfather.

On the eve of the election of 1790 Rushout was still in suspense as to the outcome. He secured his own election, but failed to carry a second ministerialist. Pitt deferred his pretensions, which he renewed on 21 July 1794. With another election imminent, 6 May 1796, he applied again and sent a reminder on 21 May. He was defeated at the poll. He was consoled with a peerage a year later, though the King had to nudge Pitt’s memory to add him to the list. He had made no mark in his last Parliament, apart from being listed among opponents of repeal of the Test Act in Scotland in 1791. Rushout died 20 Oct. 1800.1PRO 30/8/174, ff. 200-212; 195, f. 94; Geo. III Corresp. ii. 1426, 1590.