Family and Education

o.s. of William Clayton of Hambledon, Bucks. m. Martha, da. of John Kenrick, London merchant, of Flower, Surr., 5s. 5da. suc. uncle Sir Robert Clayton, M.P., 1707; cr. Bt. 13 Jan. 1732.

Offices Held

Biography

The nephew and heir of Sir Robert Clayton (1629-1707), M.P., ‘a prodigious rich scrivener’,1 or money-lender, who bought the manor of Bletchingley in 1677, William Clayton gained complete control of both seats at Bletchingley. In 1735 he bought the manor of Harleyford, near Great Marlow, where thenceforth he returned one Member. He represented Bletchingley for nearly thirty years, voting with the Administration, except on the peerage bill in 1719 and the Hessians in 1730, on which he voted with the Opposition. He also brought in pro-government candidates at Great Marlow. He died 28 Dec. 1744.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Romney R. Sedgwick

Notes

• 1. Evelyn Diary, ed. de Beer, iv. 122.