David Ochterlong Dyce-Sombre  - Politician

Dyce-Sombre was born in 1808 in Agra, India. His mother Julia Anne Le Fevre, was of Indian and European descent and his father George Alexander Dyce was British. When Dyce-Sombre's wealthy maternal grandmother Begum Samru died in 1836 she left him her immense fortune. Dyce-Sombre moved to Britain in 1838. His inheritance launched him into Britain’s elite society. 

In 1841 Dyce-Sombre ran for Parliament in Sudbury,  he was elected and so became the first person of Indian descent to serve as an MP in the UK Parliament. However, he wasn’t welcomed by everyone. Almost immediately he was accused of  

bribery, the allegations which were  thought to have been fueled by prejudice, led to a Parliamentary inquiry. Dyce-Sombre was disqualified from Parliament. He protested his innocence and spent the rest of his life fighting to be reinstated.

David also faced personal betrayal. His wife Mary Anne Jervis the daughter of a British earl declared him insane and took control of his fortune. Dyce-Sombre fought to clear his name, however he was unable to prove himself and regain his good name, social standing or fortune.

David Ochterlony Dyce Sombre died in 1851 in Paris,  the exact circumstances are unknown. He was just 43 years old.

Want to know more about becoming a member of parliament? Click HERE.