(born c. 1771 – died ?)
Local connection
Baptised at St Margaret's, Lee
Biography
On 17 July 1771 'Thomas Lee the Indian black servant of Governor Verlst’ was baptised at St Margaret’s Lee.
It is likely that the reference to 'Governor Verlst' relates to Harry Verelst. Verelst served in the East India Company in Bengal between 1749 and 1769. He was Chief of the Chittagong Council of the East India Company from 1761 – 1765 and Governor of Bengal from 1767 – 1769.
It is possible that Lee served Verelst in Bengal and returned with him to Britain in 1770. Verelst fled the country following bankruptcy and died in Boulogne, France on 24 October 1785. It is unknown when Lee died and exactly how old he was when baptised.