William Hucks
William Hucks | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1672 |
| Died | 1740 |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, politician |
| Years active | 1687–1740 |
| Known for | Member of Parliament for Abingdon and Wallingford, King's Brewer |
William Hucks (1672–1740) was an English brewer and a Whig politician who represented constituencies in the House of Commons from 1709 until his death in 1740.
Early life
Baptized on 22 October 1672, Hucks was the firstborn son of William Hucks, a brewer based in St Giles-in-the-Fields. His father operated the Horn brewery located on Duke Street in Bloomsbury. Entering the brewing profession, Hucks became a Freeman of the Brewers’ Company in 1687. Upon his father's passing in 1691, he inherited the brewery and managed it alongside his brothers before eventually involving his son. In 1696, he married Elizabeth Selwood, daughter of Robert Selwood from Abingdon, Berkshire.
Political career
After an unsuccessful attempt to secure a seat at Abingdon in 1698, Hucks was later installed as Member of Parliament for Abingdon through petition in 1709. He aligned himself with Whig principles, endorsing the naturalization of the Palatines that same year and backing the impeachment proceedings against Dr Sacheverell in 1710. Although he failed to win at Wallingford in 1710, he was elected MP for Wallingford in 1715 and appointed King's Brewer during that year. He remained a steadfast supporter of the Government and successfully defended his parliamentary seat amid contested elections in 1722, 1727, and 1734.
Later life and legacy
Hucks actively participated as a vestryman in St Giles parish from 1709 until 1731 and commissioned a statue of King George I for St George's Church in Bloomsbury. Around 1727, he expanded his estate holdings near Wallingford and secured a lease on Wallingford Castle along with Ewelme. He passed away on 28 November 1740, survived by two sons and a daughter; his son Robert inherited his estate and responsibilities.