biography
| name: |
Leicester (of Holkham), Thomas William Coke, Earl of
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pronunciation:
[lester, holkam]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1752–1842)
|
| biography:
| Agriculturist, born in London, UK. He was educated at Eton, and became one of the first agriculturists of England. He improved the Suffolk breed of pigs, bred Southdown sheep and Devon cattle, and first grew wheat (instead of rye) in W Norfolk. He promoted improved methods of breeding and husbandry. People visited his estate from all over the world, and special meetings were held at sheep clipping time - called Coke's Clippings - the last of which took place in 1821, lasting three days and attracting 7000 visitors. He became MP for Norfolk at 21, holding the seat for 57 years. A protectionist, he campaigned for independence of the American Colonies. |
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