John Egerton, 1st Earl of Bridgewater facts for kids

Egerton family coat of arms, showing a red lion and three spearheads

The Bridgewater Chapel at St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Little Gaddesden, where many Egerton family members are buried

John Egerton, 1st Earl of Bridgewater (born 1579, died 4 December 1649), was an important English nobleman and politician. He was a member of the powerful Egerton family. John Egerton held many important jobs during his life, serving the King and country.

Early Life and Education

John Egerton was the son of Sir Thomas Egerton and Elizabeth Ravenscroft. He started studying at Brasenose College, Oxford when he was just 10 years old in 1589. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, in 1594. Later, in 1605, he also earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oxford.

A Career in Politics

John Egerton began his political career early.

• From 1597 to 1598, he was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Callington.
• In 1601, he served as an MP for Shropshire.
• He was made a Knight in 1599, which was a special honor.
• From 1599 to 1605, he worked as a Baron of the Exchequer of Chester. This was a legal and financial role.
• In 1603, he became a Knight of the Bath, another important honor.

In March 1617, John Egerton inherited his father's noble titles. Soon after, on 27 May 1617, he was given the new title of Earl of Bridgewater.

Important Roles and Responsibilities

Lord Bridgewater held many high-ranking positions:

• In 1626, he joined the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the King.
• He was the Custos Rotulorum of Shropshire (chief record keeper) from 1605 to 1646.
• He also served as Custos Rotulorum of Buckinghamshire from 1628 to 1649.
• Between 1631 and 1634, he was the Lord President of Wales. This meant he was in charge of governing Wales.
• He was also the Lord Lieutenant of Wales and the Marches. This role involved leading the local military forces in areas like Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire.

The famous poet John Milton wrote a play called Comus to celebrate John Egerton becoming Lord President of Wales.

Later Life and Legacy

Lord Bridgewater passed away on 4 December 1649. He was buried at Little Gaddesden.

His memory is honored with a special memorial in the Bridgewater Chapel at St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire.

Ashridge House and Family Burial Place

In the early 1600s, John Egerton's father bought Ashridge House. This was one of the largest country houses in England. Queen Elizabeth I had owned it before, inheriting it from her father. Ashridge House stayed in the Egerton family until the 1800s.

The Egerton family later built a special chapel with a burial vault at Little Gaddesden Church. Many monuments there remember the Dukes and Earls of Bridgewater and their family members.

Family Life

On 27 June 1602, John Egerton married Lady Frances Stanley. She was the daughter of Ferdinando, 5th Earl of Derby. Lady Frances's mother, Lady Alice Spencer, later married John's father, Thomas Egerton.

John and Frances had eight children together:

• Lady Elizabeth Egerton (died 1688), who married David Cecil, 3rd Earl of Exeter.
• Lady Mary Egerton (died 1659), who married Richard Herbert, 2nd Baron Herbert of Chirbury.
• Lady Frances Egerton (died 1664), who married Sir John Hobart, 2nd Baronet.
• Lady Alice Egerton (died 1689), who married Richard Vaughan, 2nd Earl of Carbery.
• Lady Arabella Egerton (died 1669), who married Oliver St John, 5th Baron St John of Bletso.
• James Egerton, Viscount Brackley (1616–1620), who died when he was young.
• Charles Egerton, Viscount Brackley (born 1623), who also died young.
• John Egerton, 2nd Earl of Bridgewater (1623–1686), who inherited his father's title.