James Pelham

Who was James Pelham?

James Pelham was a British politician. A second cousin of Henry Pelham and the Duke of Newcastle, he acted as Newcastle's political agent in Sussex for most of his political career.

Pelham was the second son of Sir Nicholas Pelham, of Catsfield and Crowhurst. He got a captain's commission in the 8th Dragoons in 1711 and saw military service during the War of the Spanish Succession. He was promoted captain and lieutenant colonel in the 1st Foot Guards in 1716, but subsequently took up a political career, supported by the friendship of Lord Walpole and his second cousin, the Duke of Newcastle.

Pelham serve as Newcastle's agent in Hastings during the 1715 and 1722 elections. Newcastle was then Lord Chamberlain, and Pelham was appointed secretary to the Lord Chamberlain in 1719, retaining the post until his death, although Newcastle vacated the offce of Chamberlain in 1724. Newcastle had him returned for Newark in 1722. He was returned for both Newark and Bridport in 1727, choosing to sit for Newark. At the coronation of George II, he was chosen as one of the barons of the Cinque Ports who would bear the canopy over the King and Queen.