Family and Education

b. 29 Aug. 1723, 1st s. of Sir Francis Henry Drake, 4th Bt.. educ. Winchester 1734-9; Eton 1740; Corpus Christi, Camb. 1740-4, L. Inn 1740. unm. suc. fa. 26 Jan. 1740.

Offices Held

Ranger, Dartmoor forest 1752-d.; clerk comptroller, Board of Green Cloth 1753-70; master of the Household 1771-d.

Biography

Succeeding as a minor, Drake was returned for Bere Alston on the family interest at the first general election after his coming of age. He supported Pelham, who recommended him to the King for a Household place, explaining that ‘he has a borough of his own and is otherwise of consequence in the West of England’.1 Continuing to support successive Administrations, he died 19 Feb. 1794.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Shirley Matthews

Notes

• 1. To Newcastle, 29 Sept. 1752, Add. 32729, f. 396.