Coke of Norfolk (1754-1842): A Biography - by Susanna Wade Martins (Paperback)

About the Book

First modern biography of Thomas William Coke, first earl of Leicester, who revolutionised agricultural practices and became an outspoken critic of Britain's war against America over independence.

Book Synopsis

Thomas William Coke ("Coke of Norfolk") (1754-1842) is best known as one of the main promoters of the improved farming of the "Agricultural Revolution." He was also a county MP for over forty years between 1776 and 1832; and the owner of one of the finest palladian mansions in Britain, and by far, the largest estate in Norfolk at Holkham Hall. A friend of Charles James Fox, he moved in the highest Whig social circles and lavishly entertained distinguished friends from both political and academic fields who came to Holkham for its splendid library, works of art and antiquities as well as the game coverts. A charismatic figure, he was an outspoken critic of Britain's war against the Americans in their fight for independence which made him friends who visited and corresponded across the Atlantic. Despite his importance, both locally and nationally, there has been no full scale biography of him for a hundred years - a gap which this book sets out to address. It sets his agricultural achievements in a wider context, and places Coke himself in his milieu, as one of a small circle of landed grandees who were of major influence during a period of political turbulence and agricultural change. The author also examines Coke's reputation as a "patriot." Dr SUSANNA WADE MARTINS is Honorary Research Fellow, School of History, University of East Anglia.

Review Quotes

[Coke's] story is well told.-- "HISTORIC GARDENS REVIEW"

A revealing biography of one of the eighteenth century's foremost landowners.-- "ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW, vol. 128, no. 533, August 2013"

Shortlisted for the 'Biography' category in the EDP-Jarrold East Anglian Book Awards 2009.-- "."

Shortlisted for the New Angle Prize for Literature 2009.-- "."

Susanna Wade Martin's biography of Sir Thomas Coke does what any good biography should do. It provides a detailed description of his life, his family background, his education and the influences that shaped his politics and his world view.-- "AGRICULTURAL HISTORY REVIEW"