East was the eldest son of William East, barrister, of the Manor House, Kennington, and his wife Elizabeth Gough, daughter of Jeremy Gough of London.
He was admitted at King's College, Cambridge in the Lent term of 1714 and at Middle Temple on 23 February 1714.
He succeeded his father in 1726,[2] In 1727 he wished to stand for Parliament but he was unable to keep his post as Commissioner while being an MP.
He resigned his post which went to his brother, Gilbert East, and expected to stand for Marlborough.
However the plan fell through, and he was returned instead as Member of Parliament for St Mawes at a by-election on 2 March 1728 on the interest of John Knight.