Richard Lockwood

Richard Lockwood (c. 1676–1756) of Dews Hall, near Maldon, Essex was a British merchant and politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1713 and 1741. Early life Lockwood was the only surviving son of Richard Lockwood of Gayton, Northamptonshire, and his wife Susanna Cutts, daughter of Edward Cutts of Maldon, Essex. He was educated probably at Westminster School in 1684. Career He became a wealthy merchant in the Turkish trade, and succeeded his father in about 1697. In 1711 he became an Assistant in the Levant Company and was also given an office as Gentleman of the Privy Chamber. Political career At the 1713 general election Lockwood was returned as Member of Parliament for Hindon. He was an outsider but stood on a joint ticket with the younger Reynolds Calthorpe, and it was possibly his wealth which accounted for the partnership. He was classed as a Whig because of his association with the Calthorpes, but was probably a closet Tory. He was Assistant to the Levant Company again from 1713 to 1715 while he was in Parliament. In June 1714 he stood in the ballot for the commission of public accounts, but did not get enough votes. Also, in 1714 he lost his post in the Household.