Family and Education

b. 10 Nov. 1759, 4th surv. s. of James Best, brewer, of Park House, Boxley by Frances, da. and coh. of Richard Shelley of Michelgrove, Suss. educ. Eton 1771-5; Univ. Coll. Oxf. 1779. m. 7 Dec. 1784, Caroline, da. of Edward Scott of Scott’s Hall, Kent, 3s. 3da. suc. uncle Thomas Best 1795.

Offices Held

Cornet, Kent yeomanry 1794, lt. 1795, capt. 1797-1803.

Biography

Best, a partner in the century-old family brewery at Chatham,1 headed the poll at Rochester in 1790, assisted by the withdrawal of one of the ministerial nominees. He was independent and was described to the ministry in 1788 as a man they should accommodate for his extensive interest at Rochester.2 Apart from his vote with opposition on Oczakov, 12 Apr. 1791, and doubts, the same month, about his voting intention with regard to repeal of the Test Act in Scotland, he appears to have given a silent support to Pitt’s administration. The Treasury listed him ‘pro’ in 1795. His heavy defeat in 1796 was indicative of the extent to which he owed his return to accidental circumstances. He took no further part in Rochester elections, having in 1795 inherited a substantial landed estate in Kent.3 He died 8 Sept. 1818.

Ref Volumes: 1790-1820

Author: Lawrence Taylor

Notes

• 1. Kent AO, Best mss.
• 2. PRO 30/8/173, f. 170.
• 3. Hasted, Kent, iii. 521; iv. 434; v. 333, 411, 423, 426.