Edmund Dunch (Whig) facts for kids
Edmund Dunch (born December 14, 1677 – died May 31, 1719) was an English politician. He lived in Little Wittenham, Berkshire. He was a member of the Whig party. He served in the English and British House of Commons from 1701 to 1719.
Edmund Dunch also held an important job in the royal family. He was the Master of the Royal Household for Queen Anne. This role meant he managed the Queen's home and staff.
Early Life and Family
Edmund Dunch was the only son of Hungerford Dunch, who was also a Member of Parliament. His mother was Catherine Oxton. Edmund was born in London on December 14, 1677.
On May 2, 1702, Edmund Dunch married Elizabeth Godfrey. She was one of the Queen's maids of honour. Elizabeth's mother was Arabella Churchill, who was the sister of the famous Duke of Marlborough. This made Edmund Dunch connected to a very powerful family.
Political Career
Edmund Dunch was a strong supporter of the Glorious Revolution of 1688. He remained a Whig throughout his life. The Whigs were a political group who believed in limiting the power of the king.
He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Cricklade in 1701. He was elected again in 1705, 1708, and 1710. In 1713, he became the MP for Boroughbridge. Later, in 1715, he was elected MP for Wallingford. Many of his ancestors had also served as MPs for Wallingford. He remained an MP until he died in 1719.
In 1708, Edmund Dunch was given the job of Master of the Household to Queen Anne. This was a significant position in the royal court. He lost this job in 1710 but was reappointed in 1714.
Edmund Dunch was a member of the Kit-Kat Club. This was a famous club where Whig politicians and writers met. It was common for members of this club to have their portraits painted.
Edmund Dunch passed away on May 31, 1719. He was buried in his family's vault at Little Wittenham Church.
The Dunch Family Legacy
The Dunch family had a long history in politics. Many of Edmund's ancestors were Members of Parliament, especially for Wallingford.
- William Dunch (1508–1597) was an auditor for the Royal Mint. He was also a Member of Parliament for Wallingford in 1563.
- His son, Sir Edmund Dunch (1551–1623), also represented Wallingford in 1571.
- Sir Edmund's son, Sir William Dunch (1578–1611), was an MP for Wallingford in 1603. He married Mary Cromwell, who was the aunt of Oliver Cromwell.
- William's son, Edmund Dunch (1603–1678), was the Governor of Wallingford Castle. He also represented Wallingford in Parliament.
- Edmund's son, Hungerford Dunch (1639–1680), was Edmund Dunch's father.
Edmund Dunch had no sons. This meant that he was the last Dunch to represent Wallingford in Parliament. After his death, the male line of this branch of the Dunch family ended. He left his property to his four daughters:
- Catherine died young and never married.
- Elizabeth married Sir George Oxenden.
- Harriet married Robert Montagu, 3rd Duke of Manchester.
- Arabella married Edward Thompson.
Edmund Dunch was a distant cousin of Oliver Cromwell. His wife, Elizabeth, was also known for her beauty.
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