Sir Thomas Bernard, 3rd Baronet

Who was Sir Thomas Bernard, 3rd Baronet?

Sir Thomas Bernard, 3rd Baronet was an English social reformer whose father, as governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, played a responsible part in directing the British policy which led to the revolt of the American colonies. He was born at Lincoln, the younger son of Sir Francis Bernard, 1st Baronet. Rather late in his life, on the death of his elder brother in 1810, Bernard succeeded to the baronetcy conferred on his father in 1768.

His early education was obtained at Harvard College, in which his father took a great interest. He then acted as confidential secretary to his father during the troubles which led to the governor's recall, and accompanied Sir Francis to England, where he was called to the bar, and practised as a conveyancer.

He married a rich wife, and acquired a considerable fortune, and then devoted most of his time to social work for the benefit of the poor. From 1795 to 1806 he was treasurer of the Foundling Hospital for abandoned babies, in the concerns of which he took an important part.