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THYNNE, Thomas I, Visct. Weymouth (1765-1837).
Available from Boydell and Brewer
Family and Education
b. 25 Jan. 1765, 1st s. of Thomas, 1st Mq. of Bath, and bro. of Lord George Thynne* and Lord John Thynne*. educ. Winchester 1773; St. John’s, Cambridge 1785. m. 24 Apr. 1794, Hon. Isabella Elizabeth Byng, da. and coh. of George, 4th Visct. Torrington, 8s. 3da. Styled Visct. Weymouth 1789-96; suc. fa. as 2nd Mq. of Bath 19 Nov. 1796; KG 16 July 1823.
Offices Held
Lt. Wilts. yeoman cav. 1799, lt.-col. commdt. 1811.
Ld. lt. Som. 1819-d.
Biography
As Member for Weobley on the family interest, Weymouth had followed his courtier father’s line in supporting Pitt’s administration. In 1790, again returned for Weobley, he was chosen as a friend of government to fill the vacancy for Bath caused by the retirement of one of the Members: the other, Viscount Bayham, had urged Pitt ‘to fix without delay on some person we can depend upon’. There was a contest, but Weymouth was sure of success. He was an inconspicuous Member—he was listed among opponents of repeal of the Test Act in Scotland in 1791, but no speech is known—until he succeeded to the marquessate. In 1812 he advised Richard Meyler as to ‘the best seat in the Lower House for taking a nap’.1
In May 1804 he declined to be chamberlain of the royal household, already refused by his uncle the Duke of Portland, when his two brothers were offered and accepted Household places: he would consider it only if his brothers were ruled out, as he dreaded the effect of so many honours awarded to one family. He was a rare attender in the House of Lords, well disposed to successive governments, but ‘very reserved’.2 He died 27 Mar. 1837.