Family and Education

b. ?1710, 1st surv. s. of John Greathead of St. Mary Cayon, St. Kitts by his w. Frances. educ. Bradford sch.; Trinity, Camb. 4 May 1730, aged 19; L. Inn 1730. m. (2) 21 Feb. 1748, Lady Mary Bertie, da. of Peregrine Bertie, M.P., 2nd Duke of Ancaster, 2s.

Offices Held

Biography

In 1747 Samuel Greathead (or Greatheed), a wealthy West Indian who had settled near Warwick, was returned for Coventry as a government supporter on the interest of Lord Archer. In 1753 he fell foul of Archer, who accused him of attempting to undermine him at Coventry, ‘and also to disturb the Whig interest at Warwick, upon which Lord Hillsborough and my brother are chosen’. Through Pelham’s mediation, a reconciliation was brought about,1 as a result of which Greathead headed the poll at Coventry in 1754. He died 2 Aug. 1765.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Eveline Cruickshanks

Notes

• 1. Ld. Archer to Pelham, 11 June, Greathead to Pelham, 6 Aug. 1753, Newcastle (Clumber) mss.