Family and Education

b. ?1671, 1st s. of Sir James Worsley of Pylewell; bro. of Charles Worsley and cos. of Sir Robert Worsley. educ. New Coll. Oxf. 15 June 1688, aged 16; M. Temple 1691. m. 25 Feb. 1714, Rachel, da. of Thomas Merrick of St. Margaret’s, Westminster. suc. fa. 1695; cos. Sir Robert Worsley as 5th Bt. 29 July 1747.

Offices Held

Woodward of New Forest 1710-14.

Biography

James Worsley inherited Pylewell Park in the New Forest from his father in 1695. Returned for Newtown in 1715 on his family’s interest, he was classed like his cousin, Sir Robert Worsley, as a Tory who might often vote with the Whigs, but in fact he voted consistently against the Administration. He did not stand in 1722 but was returned in 1727, when his Whig opponent petitioned. On 26 Mar. 1729 Sir Edward Knatchbull reported,

the motion for Lord William Powlett’s son’s [Charles Armand] petition for Newton was made for hearing it at the bar [of the House], although but two days before the committee of elections had been closed with intention to hear no more, upon which Worsley, the sitting Member, had sent his witnesses out of town and they might be gone into other parts; however, on a division, it was carried by 160 against 147.1

He was unseated a month later. Re-elected unopposed in 1734, he spoke on 16 Feb. 1738 against a petition from the dean and chapter of Westminster for funds for the repair of the Abbey. He did not stand after 1741, by which time his family had lost their interest at Newtown. In 1747 he succeeded his cousin, Sir Robert Worsley, as fifth baronet, but Appuldurcombe and the other Isle of Wight property was left not to him but in trust for his son.2 He died 12 June 1756.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Paula Watson

Notes

• 1. Knatchbull Diary.
• 2. PCC 219 Potter.