WENMAN, Hon. Thomas Francis (1745-96), of the Inner Temple, London

Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1754-1790, ed. L. Namier, J. Brooke., 1964
Available from Boydell and Brewer

Constituency

Dates

1774 - 1780

Family and Education

b. 18 Nov. 1745, 2nd s. of Philip, 3rd Visct. Wenman [I], M.P., and yr. bro. of Philip, 4th Visct.  educ. Westminster; Univ. Coll. Oxf. 1762; I. Temple 1764, called 1770.  unm.

Offices Held

Fellow of All Souls 1765; recorder, Wallingford 1770, Oxford 1772; keeper of University archives 1781- d.; regius prof. of civil law 1789- d.

Biography

In 1774 Wenman was defeated at Wallingford, but returned for Westbury on the interest of Lord Abingdon, his relation by marriage. Although from 1775 Abingdon and Lord Wenman were both in opposition, Thomas Francis supported the court. His only reported speech was on 9 May 1776 in favour of the felons bill, and his only known vote, against Government on 18 Apr. 1777 over payment of the civil list debts. Robinson in his electoral survey for 1780 classed him as a Government supporter, but added: ‘Lord Abingdon will scarce bring in Mr. Wenman again.’

He died 8 Apr. 1796.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: John Brooke

Notes