Family and Education

b. c.1715, 1st surv. s. of Grismond Philipps of Cwmgwili by Jane, da. of Miles Stedman of Dolygaer, Brec. educ. L. Inn 1741, called 1744. m. (1) Avis (d. 15 Sept. 1755), da. of Gen. Brockhurst, 1s. 3da.; (2) Jan. 1757, Lucretia Elizabeth, da. of Henry Folkes of London, 1s. 3 other ch. suc. fa. 1740.

Offices Held

Biography

After standing unsuccessfully for Carmarthen in 1741, Griffith Philipps in 1746 gained control of the borough, for which he was returned with the support of the Government in 1751, ending his life as its patron. In 1742 a local opponent wrote of him:

Even Griffith Philipps had so much the sincerity of a courtier as to say he was glad of the minister’s fall. The boy was a liar when at school, and now he continues the same and excellent person.1

When in 1754 he was opposed by Sir Thomas Stepney, Newcastle was told that

Mr. Philipps, the present Member, has done such things in his family and which are of such a nature, that I find his being supported is the only reason for the step Sir Thomas is taking. He tells me that if any other person had been named, he should never have thought of an opposition.2

In his only known application for patronage, he wrote to Newcastle:

I hope your Grace will on this occasion be so good as to consider the persecutions I have for several years sustained on account of my attachment to the Government and in particular to your Grace and your brother Mr. Pelham.3

He died 27 Feb. 1781.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Peter D.G. Thomas

Notes

• 1. John Adams to Thos. Pryse, M.P., 11 Feb. 1742, Gogerddan mss, NLW box 17B.
• 2. Add. 32734, ff. 365-6.
• 3. Add. 32873, f. 506.