Thomas Osborne, Duke of Leeds
Thomas Osborne was an English statesman who before assuming the title of the 1st Duke of Leeds was known as the Earl of Danby. He had an exceptionally remarkable political career and served, in many capacities under, two kings of England, King Charles II and William III.
Thomas Osborne was born on February 20, 1631 to Sir Edward Osborn originally from Kiveton in Yorkshire. The former Lord Mayor of the City of London, Sir Edward Osborne was actually Thomas' great grandfather. According to historical accounts, Sir Edward made his family's fortune by marrying Anne, after he had risked his own life in an attempt to save hers, by jumping off the London Bridge and rescuing Anne from drowning in the icy waters of the river below. Anne was the daughter of the then Lord Mayor of England, Sir William Hewett for whom Thomas was working at that time.
After the death of his father in 1647, Thomas Osborne (who would later become Lord Treasurer) inherited his title as Baron along with all Sir Edwards's properties.
Thomas Osborne tried and subsequently failed to win his Cousin Dorothy Osborne's hand in marriage and instead married the daughter of the Earl of Lindsey, Lady Bridget Bertie.
Osborne had an auspicious start to his political career when he was elected as an MP for York in 1665 after being introduced into public life by his neighbour from Yorkshire, the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, George Villiers. Osborne later joined Villiers when the Duke attacked the Earl of Clarendon in 1667. George Villiers was pleased with Osborne's support of him and considered his actions the first important steps in his political career.
The following year, 1668 saw Thomas Osborne taking on the position of treasurer of the navy, a position that he held jointly with Sir Thomas Lyttleton. Osborne later became the sole treasurer of the navy. In 1669, he took over Sir William Coventry's position as commissioner for the state treasury. 1673 was a year of further accomplishments for Osborne with his appointments as commissioner for the admiralty and as Viscount of the Scottish Peerage on February 2. When Osborne handed over his Scottish Peerage to his son Peregrine in June 27, 1674, he was appointed Earl of Danby. Finally in 1677, Thomas Osborne received the Garter.
As a politician, Thomas Osborne campaigned strenuously to bolster the strength of the executive and royal authorities. A strong opposition to the Roman Catholic Church and to all forms of religious toleration characterized his career. His later political life however was marred by controversy and he made many enemies. Although is political views and policies had aligned him with the dominant party of the country, Thomas Osborne had never enjoyed the widespread respect that he so desired.
He was later implicated in a plan to conceal the so-called Popish plot while he was in fact announcing its very existence to the Parliament of England.
Thomas Osborne died in Easton Neston, Northamptonshire on July 26, 1712 bringing an end to a long and remarkable political career.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: RPN
Updated On: 11/04/2007
