Percy Seymour

Lord Percy Seymour (English: Lord Percy Seymour, born June 3, 1696 – died July 4, 1721) was a politician in the Kingdom of Great Britain. He was the eldest son of Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset, and his first wife, Elizabeth. His brother was Argyll Seymour, the 7th Duke of Somerset.

Life

Birth and Education

Percy Seymour was born on June 3, 1696. His mother Elizabeth died on November 23, 1722. He was the son of Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset, and his first wife. From childhood, he received education and attended Eton College from 1706 to 1714. Afterwards, he entered Trinity College, Cambridge, on May 4, 1714, and obtained an M.A. degree in 1717.

Parliamentary Election and Activity

In July 1717, Seymour stood for a by-election in the Kockermas constituency, arranged by his father. Although the influence of the Duke of Somerset was significant in Kockermas, the election results were close: the Duke’s candidate Sir Wilfrid Lawson received 90 votes, while Seymour received 84 votes. The Returning Officer declared both candidates elected, leaving the decision to the House of Commons. Seymour was judged to be a minor at the time, leading Lawson to withdraw, and Seymour’s election was formally recognized. Accordingly, in January 1718, Seymour’s status as a Member of Parliament was officially proclaimed.

Political Stance

In Parliament, he supported the abolition of the Law for Prohibiting Religious Dissenters (sometimes referred to as the Toleration Act repeal) and the Act to Prevent Divisions in the Church in 1719. He also supported the noble titles bill in the same year. These bills related to policies concerning religion and the aristocratic system of the time.

Death

He died of smallpox on July 4, 1721. At the time of his death, he was unmarried.

Sources

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