Gilbert, Thomas

SUBJECT AREA: Canals, Mining and extraction technology

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b. 1720 Cotton Hall, Cotton, Staffordshire, England

d. 18 December 1798

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English politician, mine and canal entrepreneur.

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He was the older brother of John Gilbert and, trained as a lawyer, he became Land Agent to Earl Gower and Legal Adviser to the Duke of Bridgewater (Francis Egerton). Brindley had carried out work for Gilbert on the Gower estates and the standard of work impressed him. In 1759 he recommended Brindley to his brother at Worsley as a competent engineer who would be valuable in the construction of the new canal. Gilbert became Member of Parliament for Newcastle under Lyme in 1763 and was thus able to sponsor the Trent and Mersey Bill when it came before Parliament. He joined the committee of the Trent and Mersey, representing the interests of both Earl Gower and himself. He was also involved with the East Shropshire mines and canals with his brother. He continued as a Member of Parliament (until 1768 for Newcastle and afterwards for Lichfield) until December 1794.

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Further Reading

P.Lead, 1990, Agents of Revolution: John and Thomas Gilbert—Entrepreneurs, Keele University Centre for Local History.

JHB