VERNON, Bowater (1683-1735), of Hanbury Hall, Worcs.

Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1715-1754, ed. R. Sedgwick, 1970
Available from Boydell and Brewer

Constituency

Dates

1722 - 26 Apr. 1726

Family and Education

b. 21 May 1683, 1st S. of William Vernon of Caldewell, Worcs. by Phoebe, da. of Rev. Samuel Bowater of Shrawley, Worcs. m. (1) 1721, Mathia (d. June 1721 ‘three weeks after her marriage’),1 da. of George Wheeler, under-treasurer of I. Temple, s.p.; (2) Jane, da. and coh. of Thomas Cornwallis of Abermarlais, Carm., 1s. 2da. suc. fa. 1709; Thomas Vernon 1721.

Offices Held

Biography

On inheriting the fortune of Thomas Vernon, Bowater Vernon stood for Bishop’s Castle, announcing that ‘he had brought down money to carry the election if that would do it’.2 Described as a ‘South Sea man’, who was resolved to outbid the Duke of Chandos, ‘let him offer what he will’,3 he was returned after a contest as a government supporter.4 After sitting for four years he was unseated on petition, the elections committee finding that all but one of his 52 voters had been bribed, at a total cost of nearly £700.5 He did not stand again, dying 30 Nov. 1735.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: J. B. Lawson

Notes

  • 1. Nash, Worcs. i. ped. facing 549.
  • 2. CJ, xx. 682.
  • 3. HMC Portland, vii. 314.
  • 4. HMC Townshend, 137.
  • 5. CJ, xx. 681-2.