Wenman Coke (died 1776)
- 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
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.
References
| Parliament of Great Britain | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament for Harwich 1753–1761 With: John Phillipson 1753–1756 Viscount Duncannon 1756–1758 Thomas Sewell 1758–1761 |
Succeeded by Charles Townshend John Roberts |
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament for Okehampton 1761–1768 With: Alexander Forrester |
Succeeded by Thomas Pitt Thomas Brand |
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament for Derby 1772–1774 With: Lord Frederick Cavendish |
Succeeded by Lord Frederick Cavendish John Gisborne |
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament for Norfolk 1774–1776 With: Sir Edward Astley |
Succeeded by Sir Edward Astley Thomas Coke |
