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HEBBLETHWAITE, James (c.1652-1729), of Norton, nr. Malton, Yorks.
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Biography Detail
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Constituency
Dates
Family and Education
b. c.1652, 1st s. of Thomas Hebblethwaite. m. (1) Bridget (d. 13 June 1720), da. and h. of Sir William Cobb of Ottringham, Yorks., 5s. (4 d.v.p.) 6da.; (2) Mary, da. of one Lister, s.p. suc. fa. 1668.1
Offices Held
Commr. for assessment, Yorks. (E. and N. Ridings) 1673-80, (E. Riding) 1689-90; mayor, Malton 1684-5; dep. lt. (E. Riding) ?1682-Apr. 1688, 1689-at least 1702.2
Biography
Hebblethwaite contested Malton with William Leveson Gower at a by-election to the Cavalier Parliament in 1673. There was a double return, which was not resolved in his favour till 18 Mar. 1678. Shaftesbury marked him ‘worthy’, but he made no speeches, was appointed to no committees, and apparently never stood again. In answer to the lord lieutenant’s questions on the Test Act and Penal Laws, he replied:
If I shall be chosen a Member of Parliament, I conceive myself obliged to give my vote according to the reason of the debate of the House, and not otherwise. ... If I do concern myself in the election of any to serve as a Member of Parliament, I shall give my vote for such as (to the best of my judgment) will serve the King and the whole kingdom faithfully and honestly. ... I think myself obliged to live peaceably with all men, as becomes a good Christian and a loyal subject.
His example was followed by several others, including William Osbaldeston, Sir Ralph Warton and Matthew Appleyard, and he was removed from the lieutenancy. He appears to have taken no further part in politics, and was buried at Norton on 10 Dec. 1729, the last of his family to sit in Parliament.
