Background
Thomas Coke was born in London on May 6, 1754. He was the eldest son of Wenman Roberts, who assumed the name of Coke in 1750. In 1759 Wenman Coke's maternal uncle Thomas Goke, earl of Leicester, died leaving him his estates, subject, however, to the life-interest of his widow, Margaret, Baroness de Clifford in her own right.
This lady's death in 1775 was followed by that of Wenman Coke in 1776, when the latter's son, Thomas William, bom on the 6th of May 1754, succeeded to his father's estates at Holkham and elsewhere.
Career
From 1776 to 1784, from 1790 to 1806, and again from 1807 to 1832 Coke was member of parliament for Norfolk. Under his direction the rental of the Holkham estate is said to have increased from £2200 to over £20, 000 a year. In 1837 Coke was created earl of Leicester of Holkham.
Politics
From 1776 to 1784, from 1790 to 1806, and again from 1807 to 1832 Coke was member of parliament for Norfolk; he was a friend and supporter of Charles James Fox and a sturdy and aggressive Whig, acting upon the maxim taught him by his father " never to trust a Tory. "
Membership
From 1776 to 1784, from 1790 to 1806, and again from 1807 to 1832 Coke was member of parliament for Norfolk.
Personality
Leicester was a strong and handsome man and a fine sportsman.
Quotes from others about the person
It has been said that " his practice is really the basis of every treatise on modern agriculture. "
