BALCH, Robert (c.1651-1705), of Bridgwater, Som.

Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1690-1715, ed. D. Hayton, E. Cruickshanks, S. Handley, 2002
Available from Boydell and Brewer

Constituency

Dates

24 Feb. 1692 - 1695

Family and Education

b. c.1651, s. of Thomas Balch of Dulverton, Som.  educ. St. Alban Hall, Oxf. matric. 3 June 1668, aged 16.  m. 26 Dec. 1678, Elizabeth Everard, 1s. 1da.1

Offices Held

Mayor, Bridgwater 1688–9, 1691–2.2

Biography

Balch set up as a merchant in Bridgwater, becoming a prominent member of the corporation. An active Presbyterian, he was a trustee of Brent’s charity, established in the town to provide for the education of Dissenting ministers, and was closely involved in the life of the town meeting-house. Entering Parliament for Bridgwater following a closely contested by-election in February 1692, he was at first classed as ‘doubtful’, but was later categorized as a Court supporter. A largely inactive Member, his only contribution of note to proceedings was a speech on 10 Feb. 1693 in favour of adding Bridgwater to the list of ports legally able to import wool from Ireland. This undistinguished record was probably due, at least in part, to poor health. He was granted leave of absence on medical grounds twice in his second session, on 21 Jan. and on 15 Feb. 1693, and again on 29 Jan. 1694 and 12 Jan. 1695. He stood down at the 1695 election. The date of his death is not known, but his will was proved on 2 Nov. 1705. He was succeeded by his son, George*.3

Ref Volumes: 1690-1715

Author: Paula Watson

Notes

  • 1. IGI, Somerset; PCC 165 Gee.
  • 2. S. G. Jarmon, Bridgwater, 271.
  • 3. Info. from Dr. J. M. Triffitt; Luttrell Diary, 378, 417, 485.