Born in
Bedford on 21 March 1830, the second son of Thomas Barnard (1784-1853) of Thomas Barnard & Co Bank, Thomas Barnard was educated at
Bedford School. He became head of the banking house as well an associate of
Samuel Whitbread, and was elected, with Whitbread, as a
Whig Member of Parliament (MP) for
Bedford at the
General Election of 27 March 1857. He subsequently lost his seat at the
General Election of 23 April 1859. He was
Deputy Lieutenant of
Bedfordshire between 1862 and 1909 Thomas Barnard died at
Cople House on 31 March 1909, at the age of 79. ==References==