ADAMSON, Robert (1753-1817), of Oaksey, Wilts.

Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1754-1790, ed. L. Namier, J. Brooke., 1964
Available from Boydell and Brewer

Constituency

Dates

13 Apr. 1784 - 4 Apr. 1785

Family and Education

b. 1753, s. of Benjamin Adamson of Henley, Oxon. and Oaksey by Alice, da. and coh. of Sir Robert Westley, ld. mayor of London 1744-5. educ. Eton 1761-70; Magdalen, Oxf. 1770. m. 19 Mar. 1790, Miss Bruce of Lower Grosvenor St., London.

Offices Held

Biography

In May 1782 Adamson announced his candidature for the reformed constituency of Cricklade, in opposition to G. R. St. John, Robert Nicholas, and Samuel Petrie. He was considered a supporter of Lord North. Finding himself the weakest of the contestants, he negotiated a compromise with St. John, and stood down in his favour.1

At the general election in 1784 he came forward again, in partnership with his cousin C. W. Coxe, and stood against Nicholas and J. W. Heneage, supporters of Pitt.2 Adamson and Coxe were returned but unseated on petition. No vote or speech of Adamson’s in the House is recorded.

Adamson does not appear to have sought to reenter Parliament. He died 17 Sept. 1817.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: J. A. Cannon

Notes

  • 1. Nicholas to Shelburne, 31 May and 12 June 1782, Lansdowne mss.
  • 2. Gloucester Jnl. 12 Apr. 1784.