Background
À Beckett was born in London, England, son of William à Beckett (senior) and his wife Sarah, née Abbott. In 1829 he joined his father in practice as a solicitor.
Member of the Victorian Legislative Council
À Beckett was born in London, England, son of William à Beckett (senior) and his wife Sarah, née Abbott. In 1829 he joined his father in practice as a solicitor.
Thomas was educated at Westminster School.
Thomas junior was brother of Sir William à Beckett and Gilbert Abbott à Beckett. Before leaving London, Thomas a"Beckett published "Remarks on the Present State of the Law of Debtor and Creditor", 1844. "Railway Litigation, and How to Check lieutenant", 1846.
"Law-reforming Difficulties: a Letter to Lord Brougham", 1849.
À Beckett migrated to Victoria, Australia, in 1850 and was called to the Victorian Bar a year later. In October 1858 à Beckett was elected to the Central Province of the new Council (since 1856 the upper house of the Victorian parliament).
This was a seat he held until August 1878. à Beckett was in office twice when he was a Minister without portfolio from 1860 to 1861 and the Commissioner for Trade and Customs 1870 until 1871. In 1870 he was chairman of the Royal Commission on the civil service.
À Beckett retired from the Legislative Council in August 1878 and from all public duties in 1887, at the age of 79 years.
He died in Brighton, Victoria, on 1 July 1892.
From 14 July 1852 to March 1856 he was a nominee member of the unicameral Victorian Legislative Council, replacing James Ross. Between 1854 and 1887 Beckett was the Registrar of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne as well as for a part of this time becoming a member of the University Council and he became the trustee of the Public Library.