STRATTON, Richard (c.1705-58), of Charlton, Kent.

Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1754-1790, ed. L. Namier, J. Brooke., 1964
Available from Boydell and Brewer

Constituency

Dates

1754 - 18 Dec. 1758

Family and Education

b. c.1705, s. of Capt. Richard Stratton of Berkhamstead, Herts., dep. master of Trinity House, by Jane, da. of Capt. Henry Hartus.  unm.

Offices Held

Director, Bank of England 1750-8.

Biography

William Michell, one of Newcastle’s election agents in Sussex, wrote to him on 8 Nov. 1753:1

Last Thursday [1 Nov.] Mr. Stratton, a Turkey merchant, and Mr. Jollibut, an Italian merchant, came to Shoreham and stayed there for some days, and made interest against the next election ... While they were there, about 100 of the electors, being a considerable majority of the town, have received £20 apiece and are promised 20 more ... This bold push will have such an effect upon the people that it will be a difficult matter to bring them back, but I never [heard] of anything being done in so public a manner.

Stratton was returned unopposed and was classed by Dupplin as a Government supporter.

On 20 Oct. 1755, Stratton and John Sargent contracted with the Post Office to supply packet boats for conveyance of mail to and from the West Indies, at £686 per month.2

Stratton died 18 Dec. 1758.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Sir Lewis Namier

Notes

  • 1. Add. 32733, f. 222.
  • 2. T54/36/259.