Background
Tankerville was the son of Charles Bennet, 1st Earl of Tankerville, and Lady Mary, daughter of Ford Grey, 1st Earl of Tankerville.
Tankerville was the son of Charles Bennet, 1st Earl of Tankerville, and Lady Mary, daughter of Ford Grey, 1st Earl of Tankerville.
He was given the courtesy title Lord Ossulston when his father was created Earl of Tankerville in 1714. Tankerville succeeded his father in the earldom in 1722 and was appointed a Knight of the Thistle in 1730. He served as Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard under Sir Robert Walpole between 1733 and 1737.
From 1740 to 1753 he was also Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland.