Robert Thornton , d.s.p. of Clapham, MP for Colchester, 1790-1818. ROBERT THORNTON (1759-1826) of Clapham, Surrey. Born 9.1.1759. 2nd son of John Thornton, merchant of Clapham, by Lucy daughter and heir of Samuel WATSON, of Hull. He married 17.9.1786 Maria EYRE daughter of Charles Eyre of Clapham. Robert Thornton was Director Dec 1787-April 1788; 1790-1793; 1795-1798; 1800-1803; 1805-1808; 1810-13; -1814. He was MP for Bridgewater 21 July 1785-90 and MP for Colchester 1790-1817. Further goes on to say he was son of one of the foremost Baltic merchnats. Like his brothers Samuel and Henry who were also MPs, he was a city merchant and founder member of the "Clapham sect" with his relative William WILBERFORCE. He was a supporter of Pitt. He was elected to the Company with the support of Dundas. Died 16th March 1826.
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