Family and Education

bap. 24 Oct. 1741, 1st s. of Robert Sparrow of Worlingham by Anne, da. and h. of Robert Bence of Henstead, Suff.  educ. Bury St. Edmunds g.s.; Emmanuel, Camb. 1759; M. Temple 1759.  m. (1) 8 July 1771, Mary (d. 9 Feb. 1793), da. of Sir John Bernard, 4th Bt, 1s. d.v.p. 1da.; (2) 1797, Mary Brockhaus of Hardwick, Suff.  suc. fa. 20 Oct. 1765.1

Offices Held

Sheriff, Suff. 1777-8.

Biography

Sparrow was returned for Bedford on the interest of his brother-in-law Sir Robert Bernard, 5th Bt., a leading member of the Bill of Rights Society, and against the Bedford-Whitbread interest; but was unseated on petition. He voted with Opposition over Wilkes, 22 Feb. 1775. There is no record of his having spoken in the House. Though active at Bedford at the general election of 1784, and for a while thought of as a candidate, he did not stand again for Parliament, and died 8 Mar. 1822.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Sir Lewis Namier

Notes

• 1. Copinger, Suff. Manors, vii. 226; Add. 19172, f. 34.