James Brydges, 3rd Duke of Chandos facts for kids
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James Brydges, the 3rd Duke of Chandos, was an important British nobleman and politician. He was born on December 27, 1731, and passed away on September 29, 1789. During his life, he held several important titles. From birth until 1744, he was known as Viscount Wilton. After that, he became the Marquess of Carnarvon until 1771, when he inherited the title of Duke of Chandos.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Brydges was the only son of Henry Brydges, who was the 2nd Duke of Chandos. His mother was Lady Mary Bruce. She was the daughter of Charles Bruce, the 3rd Earl of Ailesbury.
James received a good education. He attended Westminster School, a famous school in London, from 1742 to 1749. After that, he continued his studies at Göttingen University in Germany during 1750 and 1751.
A Career in Politics
James Brydges had a significant career in British politics. He served as a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to represent people in the government.
Serving in Parliament
He represented the area of Winchester in Parliament from 1754 to 1761. Later, he represented Radnorshire from 1761 to 1768. These roles allowed him to help make laws and decisions for the country.
Important Roles in Government
In 1771, James became the Duke of Chandos after his father passed away. This made him a very important person in society. He held several other key positions:
- From 1760 to 1764, he was a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to George, Prince of Wales. This was a personal attendant role to the future king.
- He served as the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire twice, first from 1763 to 1764, and then again from 1771 to 1780. A Lord Lieutenant is the King's or Queen's representative in a county.
- On May 12, 1775, he became a member of the Privy Council. This is a group of advisors to the King or Queen.
- From December 1783 until his death in 1789, he was the Lord Steward of the Household. This was a very high-ranking position in the royal household, managing its affairs.
Family Life
James Brydges had two marriages during his lifetime.
First Marriage
His first marriage was to Margaret Nicol on March 22, 1753. Margaret was the daughter of John Nicol. She inherited a large fortune from her grandfather, Sir Anthony Keck.
Margaret also owned a very famous portrait of Shakespeare. After her marriage to James, this painting became known as the Chandos portrait. The couple lived in a London home at 39 Upper Grosvenor Street in Mayfair.
Second Marriage and Children
After Margaret passed away in 1768, James became the Duke of Chandos in 1771. He then married Anne Eliza Gamon on June 21, 1777. Anne was the daughter of Richard Gamon.
This second marriage resulted in one child who lived to adulthood: Lady Anne Elizabeth Brydges. She later married Richard Temple-Grenville, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. Their son, Richard Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville, 2nd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, continued the family line.
Later Years
James Brydges, the 3rd Duke of Chandos, passed away in September 1789 at the age of 57. He was buried in St Lawrence Whitchurch in Canons Park, London. After his death, the title of Duke of Chandos ended because he had no surviving male heirs.
His wife, Anne Eliza, needed special care after his death and was looked after at their London home, Chandos House. The lease for their home was sold after she passed away in 1813.
