Family and Education

b. ?1753, 1st s. of Edward Phelips^† of Montacute by Maria, da. of William Wright. educ. Westminster c.1766, aged 13; Christ Church, Oxf. 15 June 1770, aged 18; M. Temple 1770, called 1778. m. 22 Dec. 1784, Elizabeth, da. and coh. of Thomas Lockyer^† of Maperton, Som., s.p. suc. fa.-in-law 1785.

Offices Held

Biography

Phelips was twice returned unopposed for the county. At the opening of the session (25 Nov. 1790) he seconded the motion for Addington as Speaker, an office for which he had been in the running two years before. He had written to Pitt on 17 July asking him to find a seat for his brother-in-law Samuel Smith* and adding, ‘I have seen with pleasure my expectation accomplished in finding the number and respectability of your friends increased, amongst which believe me you have no one more sincerely so than E. Phelips’. He was listed hostile to repeal of the Test Act in Scotland in 1791. After supporting administration without any further utterance in debate, he died v.p., 5 Aug. 1792.

Pellew, Sidmouth, i 56; PRO 30/8/166, f. 208.

Ref Volumes: 1790-1820

Author: R. G. Thorne

Notes