The Times, 13 November 1839, p. 4.
"Nomination of Sheriffs for the ensuing year in the Court of Exchequer.
Yesterday being the morrow of St. Martin, according to ancient custom a Privy Council was held in the Court of Exchequer, for the nomination of gentlemen to fill the office of sheriffs for the ensuing year. The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Baring), attired in his robes of office, presided at the head of the Court. There were also present the Marquis of Normanby, the Lord Chancellor, Lord Denman, Lord Abinger, Lord Chief Justice Tindal, and most of the other Judges. The Court was exceedingly crowded, but the excuses from serving the office were of the usual character, relating entirely to insufficiency of property, holding commissions in the army or navy, filling public situations, or of advanced age.
After the usual oath in Norman French had been administered to the privy councillors and the Judges, the nomination was proceeded with. The following are the names of those who were nominated by the Lords of the Council in the Court of Exchequer, on the morrow of St. Martin, in the third year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, to fill the office of sheriff for the year ensuing:— ...
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.—Thomas Alderton Cooke, of Peterborough, Esq.; Frederick W. Vernon Wentworth, of Stokepark, Esq.; and Robert Sackett Tomlins, of Fotheringhay Castle, Esq."