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Biography of Thomas Pelham-Clinton, 3rd Duke of Newcastle under Lyne (1752-1795)

Thomas was the 3rd son of the 2nd Duke of Newcastle under Lyne and his wife, Lady Catherine Pelham, succeeding to the title unexpectedly after the death of his two elder brothers. After his education, possibly at the Academy of Angers, he embarked on a military career. He served in America during the American War of Independence as A.D.C. to his relative, General Sir Henry Clinton, and was later A.D.C. to the King. He ultimately achieved the rank of Major General, in 1787.

Though he also dabbled in politics, as M.P. for Westminster (1774-1780) and East Retford (1781-1794), unlike his illustrious relatives he never achieved national office. He did, however, hold several local offices, including Steward of Sherwood Forest and Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire.

After succeeding to his title in February 1794, Thomas was duke for little more than a year, dying in May 1795 from the effects of an emetic which he had taken for whooping cough.

Images

3rd Duke of Newcastle under Lyne by an artist of the English School

Family

In 1782 he secretly married Lady Anna Maria Stanhope (1760-1834), daughter of the 2nd Earl of Harrington. They had four children:

• Henry, later 4th Duke (1785-1851)
• Thomas (d 1804)
• Anna Maria, Viscountess Combermere (d 1807), m 1st Viscount Combermere 1801
• Charlotte (d 1811)

Following his marriage, which the 2nd Duke had strongly opposed, he and his father became estranged and he was virtually disinherited. Although he inherited the title, the estate was administered by trustees on behalf of the 2nd Duke's grandson, the future 4th Duke. However, the 3rd Duke's sudden death in 1795 meant that his father's affairs had not yet been finally settled.

In 1800 his widow married Lieutenant General Sir Charles Gregan Crauford.

Archive Collections

• The accounts of his executors are held in Manuscripts and Special Collections at The University of Nottingham
• There are other items relating to the 3rd Duke's affairs scattered through the Newcastle (Clumber) Collection held in Manuscripts and Special Collections at The University of Nottingham

Published Sources

• To date there have been no publications about the 3rd Duke.