Family and Education

bap. 2 Mar. 1693, 1st s. of Sir Thomas Wheate, 1st Bt.. educ. Wadham, Oxf. 1712. m. c.1724, Mary, da. and coh. of Thomas Gould of Oak End, Iver, Bucks., 4da. suc. fa. 25 Aug. 1721.

Offices Held

Cornet, Col. William Stanhope’s Drags. 1715.

Biography

By the influence of the Duke of Marlborough Wheate secured a commission in a regiment raised for the rebellion of 1715,1 which was disbanded in 1718. On his father’s death in 1721 he contested Woodstock unsuccessfully against the Duchess of Marlborough’s candidate but was returned for it against her interest in 1722.2 When he stood again in 1727 the Duchess complained to Lord Abingdon of Wheate’s and his father’s ‘ingratitude’, expressing the hope that Abingdon, who had an interest in the borough, would not support him.3 In reply she was assured that Lord Abingdon was ‘no ways desirous of putting upon your Grace a man so disagreeable as Sir Thomas Wheate’.4 He came out bottom of the poll, did not stand again, and died 1 May 1746.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Eveline Cruickshanks

Notes

• 1. Duchess of Marlborough to Lady Abingdon, 12 July 1727, Marlborough mss.
• 2. See NEW WOODSTOCK.
• 3. To Lady Abingdon, 12 July 1727, Marlborough mss.
• 4. 15 July 1727, ibid.