Fairfax, Thomas

Fairfax, Thomas (1693–1781) British peer, landowner; born in Denton, England. He succeeded to his title (Lord Fairfax of Cameron) in 1709. He came to Virginia (1735) to defend his proprietary rights to the "Northern Neck," the area between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. His claim was upheld (1745) and he immigrated permanently (1747), the only British peer who resided in the New America. He was justice of the peace and a friend of the young George Washington (whose half-brother, Lawrence, was married to a Fairfax). During the American Revolution, he was unmolested and his estate remained intact until his death.

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Fairfax, Thomas 

(third Baron Fairfax). Born Jan. 17, 1612, in Dentón, Yorkshire; died Nov. 12, 1671, in Nun Appleton. Figure in the English Civil War of the 17th century.

In January 1645, on the suggestion of O. Cromwell, Fairfax was appointed general and commander in chief of Parliament’s New Model Army. However, the real power in the army’s command was held by Cromwell. After Pride’s Purge, the removal of Presbyterians from the Long Parliament in December 1648, Fairfax switched his allegiance to the Independents, an opposition group. He retired in 1650. In 1659 and 1660, Fairfax supported the restoration of the Stuarts.