Stephens Lyne-Stephens
Stephens Lyne-Stephens was an English Tory politician who represented Barnstaple before the Reform Act 1832. After inheriting a family fortune from glass manufacture in Portugal, he was later reputed to be the richest commoner in England.
Early life
His family owned a glass manufacturer in Portugal, established by William Stephens of Cornwall, an illegitimate child born in 1731.Career
Lyne-Stephens was returned as Member of Parliament for Barnstaple in 1830. His father had paid over £5,000 for his election which was in support of political reform. On 15 November 1830, Stephens was one of a group of right wing Tories who voted against the government and ended the rule of the Duke of Wellington. Following the political excitement that led to the 1831 Reform Election, Stephens decided not to defend his seat. He concentrated his activities on hunting and shooting. In 1832, he was invited to stand for Liskeard but withdrew his name at the last minute. He moved to Melton Mowbray which he considered excellent hunting and riding country.He was High Sheriff of Norfolk in 1858.