biography
| name: |
Leeds, Thomas Osborne, Duke of
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also known as Earl of Danby
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| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1632–1712)
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| biography:
| English statesman, the son of a Yorkshire baronet. He entered parliament in 1661, and in 1674 became the Earl of Danby. Against Roman Catholics and Dissenters, he used his influence to secure the marriage of Princess Mary and William of Orange (1677), and negotiated with Louis XIV for bribes to Charles II. He was impeached and imprisoned (1678–84), and in 1688 signed the invitation to William of Orange to seize power from James II. He was rewarded by being made Marquess of Carmarthen and President of the Council, and was created Duke of Leeds in 1694. |
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