Background
He was second son of Robert Shafto of Benwell Towers, Northumberland.
He was second son of Robert Shafto of Benwell Towers, Northumberland.
He served in the army with the 1st Foot Guards, being commissioned as Ensign in 1745 and retiring as Lieutenant in 1755. The couple had no children and she died in 1766. He was a Member (Member of Parliament) of the Parliament of Great Britain for Leominster 1761 - 1768 and for Castle Rising from 1768 until his death.
He was reported to have rode 100 miles every day for 29 days to Newmarket Heath, and then for 50 miles for 2 hours, for bets.
He committed suicide, having shot himself, in May 1771, which many attributed to gambling losses on the turf and elsewhere.
12th Parliament of Great Britain. 13th Parliament of Great Britain.