Wenman Coke (died 1776)

Wenman Coke

For his grandson, see Wenman Coke (1828–1907).

Wenman Coke (ca. 1717 – 11 April 1776), known as Wenman Roberts until 1750, was a British landowner and politician.

Background

Anne Coke, mother of Wenman Coke

Born Wenman Roberts, he was the son of Major Philip Roberts and Anne, daughter of Edward Coke. He assumed the surname of Coke (pronounced "Cook") in lieu of his patronymic in 1750. In 1759 he succeeded to the substantial estates of his uncle, Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester, including the Coke family seat of Holkham Hall, Norfolk.

Political career

Coke was returned to Parliament for Derby in 1772. At the 1774 general election he was returned for both Derby and Norfolk, and chose to sit for the latter. He continued to represent this constituency until his death two years later.

Family

Coke married Elizabeth, daughter of George Chamberlayne. They had several children. His son Thomas succeeded him as Member of Parliament for Norfolk and became an influential agricultural reformer. In 1837 the earldom of Leicester was revived in his favour. Wenman Coke died in 1776. His wife survived him by over 30 years and died in 1810.

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