See also
Husband: | James BRYDGES (1674-1744) | |
Wife: | Lydia Catherine van HUTTEN ( - ) |
Name: | James BRYDGES | |
Sex: | Male | |
Father: | James BRYDGES (1642?-1714?) | |
Mother: | Elizabeth BARNARD (1643?-1719) | |
Birth | 6 Jan 1674 | |
Death | 9 Aug 1744 (age 70) |
Name: | Lydia Catherine van HUTTEN | |
Sex: | Female | |
Father: | - | |
Mother: | - |
1st Duke Chandos - the 'Princely Chandos'
James Brydges was the ninth Baron of Chandos. He married Mary, heiress of Sir Thomas Lake of Canons, Edgware. After her death he married twice more, the last to a wealthy heiress, Lydia Catherine Van Hutten. He held the lucrative post of Paymaster General of the Forces from 1705 to 1713; it was common practice to accumulate the interest from such a position for personal use. In 1711, the House of Commons launched an enquiry which found £35 million missing, which Brydges blamed on accounting difficulties. No action was taken against him and it is possible that Brydges gained £3 million this way.
In 1714, Chandos was created Viscount Wilton and Earl of Carnarvon. On 29 April 1719, he was created Marquis of Carnarvon and Duke of Chandos. He:
created in a magnificent house at Canons, Edgware but this was pulled down after his death
commenced a house in Cavendish Square but this was never completed
rebuilt St Lawrence, Whitchurch, Little Stanmore.
During the Duke's later years, he lost most of his fortune in the African Company, the Mississippi scheme, and the South Sea Bubble. He died in 1744 and is buried at Whitchurch. His wife died six years later
Further information:
Royal Berkshire History
The Rise and Fall (Baroque Music Club)