Coke of Norfolk (1754-1842): a BiographyFirst modern biography of Thomas William Coke, first earl of Leicester, who revolutionised agricultural practices and became an outspoken critic of Britain's war against America over independence. Thomas William Coke ("Coke of Norfolk") (1754-1842) is best known as one of the main promoters of the improved farming of the "Agricultural Revolution". He was also a county MP for over forty years between 1776 and 1832; and the owner of one of the finest palladian mansions in Britain, and by far, the largest estate in Norfolk at Holkham Hall. A friend of Charles James Fox, he moved in the highest Whig social circles and lavishly entertained distinguishedfriends from both political and academic fields who came to Holkham for its splendid library, works of art and antiquities as well as the game coverts. A charismatic figure, he was an outspoken critic of Britain's war against theAmericans in their fight for independence which made him friends who visited and corresponded across the Atlantic. Dr SUSANNA WADE MARTINS is Honorary Research Fellow, School of History, University of East Anglia. |
Contents
The Final Journey | 1 |
Cokes Early Years | 9 |
Chapter Two Early Parliamentary Career 17761783 | 24 |
Chapter Three Life in Norfolk and London 1776c 1800 | 45 |
Celebrations for the Centenary | 77 |
Coke the Practical Farmer | 108 |
Cokes Later Parliamentary Career | 126 |