Family and Education

bap. 16 June 1660, o. surv. s. of Tobias Jenkins of Grimston by Antonyna, da. of Rev. Henry Wickham, D.D. m. (1) Lady Mary Powlett, da. of Charles Powlett, 1st Duke of Bolton, 2da.; (2) 2s. 1da. suc. fa. 1697.

Offices Held

Alderman and ld. mayor of York 1701, 1720.

Biography

Jenkins, a York alderman, who had represented the city as a Whig under William III and Anne, was returned for it again on George I’s accession after a contest, voting with the Government. From the beginning of the session of 1719-20 he was drawing a secret service pension. Before the next general election he wrote to Lord Sunderland that

the last election cost near £1500, so that my great expense for the public service at that time will not allow me in prudence to lay out more of my own fortune, besides that the difficulty and expense now brought upon me seems to arise from my firm adherence to the present Administration.

He was prepared to stand again if ‘well supported’ or alternatively to use his

interest to sway that election for the service I have always directed it, and I am sure your Lordship is too considerate not to allow my own interests to have some share in designing that in this latter case if I be out of Parliament the provisions which I have most by your favour may be put into a condition more for my ease and in my own name.

A further letter, pressing for a decision, begs ‘that £300 of the salary which I had by your Lordship’s favour, now due at Lady Day next, might be forthwith paid’.1 He did not stand again and died intestate in 1730.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Romney R. Sedgwick

Notes

• 1. Sunderland (Blenheim) mss.