Family of James BRYDGES and Lydia Catherine van HUTTEN

Husband:	James BRYDGES (1674-1744)
Wife:	Lydia Catherine van HUTTEN ( - )

Husband: James BRYDGES

Wife: Lydia Catherine van HUTTEN

Name:	Lydia Catherine van HUTTEN
Sex:	Female
Father:	-
Mother:	-

Note on Husband: James BRYDGES

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)