Thomas Pakenham, 1st Baron Longford

Thomas Pakenham, 1st Baron Longford (May 1713 – 30 April 1766), was a member of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy and politician in 18th-century Ireland.

**Early Life**

He was born in May 1713 at Pakenham Hall, located in County Westmeath, Ireland. He was the eldest son of Edward Pakenham and Margaret Bradestan. His maternal grandfather was John Bradestan, and his paternal grandfather was Sir Thomas Pakenham, who served as Prime Serjeant. Following the death of his father, his mother remarried Reverend Ossory Medlicott, vicar of Ticehurst, Sussex.

**Career**

Between 1745 and 1757, Pakenham served as a representative for Longford Borough in the Irish House of Commons.

Historical land grants associated with the area include: on 22 February 1605, grants of market rights and fairs for Longford were issued to Lord Baron Delvin by the king, including licenses to hold markets on Thursdays and fairs on August 1st and two days subsequently, with the usual courts and fees. In 1552, King Edward VI granted lands of Annalye in County Longford to Baron Delvin, which included Holy Island and lands of the O'Ferralls. During 1556–57, grants were made by Philip and Mary to Lord Baron Delvin for lands in northern County Longford prior to its formal designation as a county. King James I further granted Lord Baron Delvin the Island and monastery of Inchemore (Inismore) in what is now County Longford, along with other lands and castles such as Newton, Lisnovoa, and Monilagan. These grants were mostly surrendered in 1607, in exchange for compensation and other lands.

**Personal Life**

In 1739, Pakenham married Elizabeth Cuffe (1719–1794), the only daughter of Michael Cuffe, MP. Elizabeth later became the suo jure 1st Countess of Longford. In 1756, Pakenham was created the 1st Baron Longford, a peerage linked to his wife’s inheritance; she was the grand-niece and heiress of Ambrose Aungier, 2nd Earl of Longford, who died without issue.

They had seven children: four sons and three daughters.

- Edward Michael Pakenham (1743–1792), who succeeded as the 2nd Baron Longford, married Hon. Catherine Rowley, daughter of Hercules Langford Rowley MP and Elizabeth Rowley, 1st Viscountess Langford.

- Lady Frances Pakenham (1744–1776), married John Ormsby Vandeleur of Maddenstown.

- Lady Helena Pakenham (1745–1777), married William Sherlock of Sherlockstown, County Kildare.

- Captain Hon. Robert Pakenham (died 1775), MP for County Longford between 1768 and 1775.

- Lady Mary Pakenham (1749–1775), married Thomas Fortescue, MP for Trim.

- Hon. William Pakenham (born 1756, died 1769), died unmarried.

- Admiral Hon. Sir Thomas Pakenham (1757–1836), married Louisa Anne Staples, daughter of John Staples MP.

Thomas Pakenham died on 30 April 1766 at the age of 52. His eldest surviving son, Edward, inherited the title as the 2nd Baron Longford. His fourth son was Admiral Sir Thomas Pakenham.