Captin Philip Thicknesse, Governor 1753-1766
Thicknesse was born in Staffordshire in 1720 and at the age of 17 joined the army. After a period in the South of England he became Governor of Landguard Fort, between 1753 and 1766. Thicknesse was unpopular during his time at the Fort, being argumentative and a tyrant.
In September 1761 a Court Martial held in the fort had found a Captain William Lynch not guilty of being absent without leave during wartime. This verdict annoyed Thicknesse who had pressed the original charge and in court his behaviour was such that he had to be reprimanded for his loss of temper. In spite of the court's reprimand Thicknesse would not keep quiet and turned his anger on Colonel Francis Vernon, who held the Presidency of the trial. For this libellous outburst Thicknesse found himself in court at Bury St. Edmunds assizes in August 1763. This resulted in a three month jail sentence, £100 fine and an order to find sureties for seven years good behaviour.
When Thicknesse returned to the Fort, after his enforced absence, he had not mellowed and he brought Court Marshal charges against an officer who had been in command while he was away. Things went from bad to worse and eventually more charges were brought against Thicknesse. At a trial held in July 1765 he was found guilty on two charges and sentenced to be publicly reprimanded.
Thicknesse returned to Landguard in September 1765. He was subsequently informed by the War Office that in their view he was unfit to command and that he should not reside at the Fort. In 1766 Thicknesse resigned his position.
Although most accounts refer to the bad side of Thicknesse, an account in a Gentlemen's Magazine in 1809 stated, 'In point of person he was extremely handsome; his conversation was entertaining, his talents undisputed, his manners elegant and fascinating; he excelled in all the accomplishments of the day.' So perhaps there was another side to the Governor.
Thicknesse was a good friend of Thomas Gainsborough, who had a painted a picture for him which hung above the fireplace in his quarters.
Thicknesse died near Boulogne on November 22 1792, as a parting shot his will stated 'I leave my right hand, to be cut off after my death, to my son, Lord Audley, and I desire it may be sent to him in hopes that such a sight may remind him of his duty to God, after having for so long abandoned the duty he owed his father who once affectionately loved him.'
