Thomas de Grey (1680 – 1765) of Merton, Norfolk, was an English landowner and Whig politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1708 and 1727.
Early life
Merton Hall, Norfolk
De Grey was baptised on 13 August 1680, the eldest surviving son of William de Grey and his wife Elizabeth Bedingfield, daughter of Thomas Bedingfield of Darsham.[1] He was educated at Bury St Edmunds Grammar School and was admitted at St John's College, Cambridge on 18 May 1697, aged17.[2] Through a marriage settlement dated 10 September 1706, he married Elizabeth Windham, daughter of William Windham of Felbrigg, Norfolk with £4,500. His marriage brought him into connection with many Norfolk Whig families, although his father was a Tory.[1]
to be discharged of a trust, which after seven years’ experience I am every day more convinced that I am of all persons the most unfit for. It has been my misfortune many times to differ in my opinion from all my friends, and it is another misfortune to me that I can enjoy no peace or quiet in my mind but in acting conformably to it
Townshend did not let him stand down and he won the seat unopposed, but never stood again.[3]
Death and legacy
De Grey died in 1765 and was buried at Merton on 18 December 1765. He had two daughters and two surviving sons, Thomas and William.