Fortescue, Thomas (1683 -1769)

Thomas Fortescue of Randalstown in County Louth was the eldest son of William Fortescue, of Newragh, County Louth, and Margaret, only daughter of Nicholas Gernon Esq. His father was the second son of Sir Thomas Fortescue of Drumisken, hence the crescent for difference. He succeeded his father in 1733, was elected Member of Parliament for Dundalk. He married Elizabeth, daughter of James Hamilton, Viscount Clandeboye, and sister of James Earl of Clanbrassil. His eldest son renamed his estate of Randalstown Clermont, and was created Baron Clermont in 1770, and Earl of Clermont in 1777.