Leicester of Holkham

Leicester of Holkham, THOMAS WILLIAM COKE, EARL OF, was born on 4th May 1752, a descendant of the famous lawyer Coke. He was one of the first agriculturists of England; by his efforts for the improvement of farming north-west Norfolk was converted from a rye-growing into a wheat-growing district, its system of cultivation was entirely revolutionised for the better, and more stock and of better breeds was kept on the farms. When in 1776 he succeeded to his estates they yielded an annual rental of £2200; at his death they brought in £20,000 and more. The sheep-shearing festivals at Holkham were celebrated the country over. Coke represented Norfolk in the House of Commons during the greater part of the period from 1776 to 1833. He was a staunch Whig, and a strong supporter of Fox. In 1837 he was created Earl of Leicester of Holkham, to distinguish the title from the Earldom of Leicester, already held by the Townshend family. Coke refused every other title except that of Earl of Leicester, because that title had been borne by his great-uncle, but on his death in 1759 had become extinct. He died at Longford Hall, Derbyshire, 30th June 1842.