James Brudenell (died 1746) facts for kids

James Brudenell (born around 1687, died 1746) was an important person in British politics. He worked for the royal court and was a member of the House of Commons (a part of the British Parliament) from 1713 to 1746. He was a member of the Whig political party.

Early Life and Travels

James Brudenell was the second son of Francis Brudenell and Lady Frances Savile. His family was Roman Catholic.

In 1703, James and his brother George traveled to Italy. They had a bit of a wild time there. While in Rome, a powerful person called the Duke of Shrewsbury was asked to tell James off for not focusing on his studies. The Duke might have helped James and his brother change their religion to Anglicanism.

Their guardian, Robert Constable, wanted them to return to England in 1704. But instead, they went to Venice. There, James caught smallpox, a serious illness. The brothers finally returned to England in April 1706.

Political Career

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1713, James Brudenell was chosen as a Whig Member of Parliament for a place called Chichester. He was helped by his brother-in-law, the Duke of Richmond.

In 1714, he voted against removing Richard Steele from Parliament. James lost his seat in Chichester in the 1715 election. However, he soon became an MP for Andover in April 1715, thanks to his friend Lord Lymington.

Working for the Government

In 1716, James was given a job as the Master of the Jewel Office. This job paid him £450 each year. He usually voted with the government.

He was re-elected for Andover without anyone running against him in 1722. During his 33 years in Parliament, one interesting thing happened in 1722. There were so many people in a meeting that James couldn't find a seat. So, he sat in the Speaker's chair, which no one had done before!

Family and Later Roles

In March 1725, James Brudenell married Susan Burton. Her father was a rich merchant. Susan also worked for the Queen as a Woman of the Bedchamber.

James was re-elected for Andover in 1727. In 1730, he got a promotion to the Board of Trade, which paid him £1,000 a year. However, he didn't attend meetings very often. In 1731, he became a Groom of the Bedchamber, earning £500 a year.

In 1734, he ran for Chichester again. His nephew, the 2nd Duke of Richmond, supported him, and James won the most votes. He also became a Gentleman of the Horse, earning £250 a year. This meant that he and his wife together earned over £2,000 a year from their official jobs. He was re-elected for Chichester in 1741 and continued to support the government.

Death

James Brudenell died on August 9, 1746, from a sudden stroke. He and his wife had two sons and two daughters.