ASSHETON SMITH, Thomas (c.1751-1828), of Vaenol, Caern. and Tidworth, Hants.

Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1754-1790, ed. L. Namier, J. Brooke., 1964
Available from Boydell and Brewer

Constituency

Dates

1774 - 1780
14 Dec. 1797 - May 1821

Family and Education

b. c.1751, s. of Thomas Assheton of Ashley, Cheshire (who took name Smith on inheriting estates of his uncle) by his w. Mary Clayton, heiress of Brymbo Hall, Denb. educ. Eton 1761. m. bef. 1776, Elizabeth da. of Watkin Wynn of Voelas, Caern., 3s. 5da. suc. fa. 1774.

Offices Held

Sheriff, Caern. 1783-4; ld. lt. 1822- d.

Biography

Soon after succeeding to the family estates in 1774 Smith declared himself a candidate for Caernarvonshire in opposition to the sitting Member, Thomas Wynn. He received the support of Lord Bulkeley, who possessed the strongest interest in the county, and carried his election by 200 votes to 117.

In the House of Commons he voted consistently with Opposition. There is no record of his having spoken during his first Parliament. By 1780 Bulkeley had transferred his interest to another candidate, complaining that Smith had ‘scandalously neglected both his friends and the country in general’.1 Smith at once decided not to stand for re-election.

He died 12 May 1828.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Peter D.G. Thomas

Notes

  • 1. Baron Hill ms 5887.