Thompson, Peter, Sir (1698 -1770)

Sir Peter Thompson, of Mill Street, Bermondsey, and Market Street, Poole in Dorset, was the third son of Captain Thomas Thompson of Poole in Dorset, and Amata, daughter of John Edwards of Moseley in Hampshire. He was an eminent merchant in the Hamburg and Newfoundland trade, and became High Sheriff of Surrey 1745 1746. He was knighted 27 November 1745. He was Member of Parliament for St Albans 1747 1754. Elected Fellow of the Royal Society and of the Society of Antiquaries, he formed a large collection of books, manuscripts, fossils, and other curiosities. He left his library to his kinsman and heir Peter Thompson, and the principal part of his library was sold at auction by R.H. Evans 29 April 1815; further books by S.L. Sotheby 3 May 1839; manuscripts by S.L. Sotheby & Son 21 July 1845; books in a mixed sale by Puttick & Simpson 25 May 1852, and autographs in another mixed sale by the same auctioneer 1 July 1852.