Family and Education

bap. 19 Sept. 1699, 4th s. of Thomas Lockyer of Ilchester, Som.; bro. of Charles Lockyer. m. (1) 1728, Elizabeth (d. bef. 1751), da. of Joseph Tolson, E.I. Co. capt., 2s. d.v.p. 2da.; (2) c. 1780, Mary, da. of Thomas Handcock of Fore St., London, s.p. suc. to trusteeship of his e. bro. John Lockyer’s properties nr. Ilchester 1734.

Offices Held

Biography

Thomas Lockyer, a Dissenter,1 ‘from small beginnings as a broker, a banker, an East India trader, and a dealer in the funds, acquired a great fortune’.2 In 1746 he bought the manor of Mapperton,3 near Ilchester, where he succeeded his elder brother Charles, in 1747, as a government supporter. The 2nd Lord Egmont states in his electoral survey, c.1749-50, that ‘Lockyer may absolutely have the command of this borough and will give it wholly to us’. He retained control of the borough till his death, 9 July 1785.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Shirley Matthews

Notes

• 1. Gent. Mag. 1785, p. 574.
• 2. Egmont to Bute, 3 June 1762, Bute mss.
• 3. Basil Williams, 'Family Memoir', 19 (communicated by W. B. Williams).