Leeds, Thomas Osborne, Duke of, 1631-1712

Thomas Osborne, Earl of Danby (1631/32-1712), son of a Yorkshire baronet, entered Parliament as member for York in 1661, served Charles II in a series of adminstrative positions, and was made Lord High Treasurer and Earl of Danby in 1674. In 1678, he pressed for the investigation of the Popish Plot, but the Commons impeached him in December of that year for his involvement in the French "subsidies" to Charles II. Released from the Tower in 1684, Danby supported William III and was rewarded with the Presidency of the Council (1688-99) and the dukedom of Leeds (1694). Impeached in 1695 for accepting bribes from the East India Company, he retired in 1699 and died in 1712.

From the description of Danby papers, 1661-1748 (bulk 1661-1684). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702138954

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