Thomas Willoughby

Who was Thomas Willoughby?

Thomas Willoughby, English politician, was the second son of Thomas Willoughby, 1st Baron Middleton and Elizabeth Rothwell. He was educated at Jesus College, Cambridge. He was MP for the university in 1720 and from 1721 to 1727; from 1727 to 1730 he was MP for Tamworth.

He married Elizabeth Southby of Birdsall and had seven children:

Henry Willoughby, 5th Baron Middleton

Francis Willoughby, of Hesley Hall, married on 25 May 1762 Octavia Fisher and had issue

Rev. James Willoughby, rector of Guiseley, married Eleanor Hobson and had issue

Cassandra Willoughby

Elizabeth Willoughby, married in 1750 Rev. Edmund Garforth

Emma Willoughby, married Rev. N. Hodgson

Antonina Willoughby, married in 1765 Rev. Henry Hewgill

Through his marriage, he inherited Birdsall House, which would later become the chief residence of the Barons Middleton.