John Egerton, 2nd Earl of Bridgewater facts for kids

John Egerton was an important English nobleman who lived a long time ago, from 1623 to 1686. He was known as the 2nd Earl of Bridgewater. He belonged to a famous family called the Egerton family.

About John Egerton's Life

John Egerton, 2nd Earl of Bridgwater, painted by Peter Lely in 1665.

John Egerton was the son of the 1st Earl of Bridgewater, also named John Egerton. His mother was Lady Frances Stanley. His grandparents were Ferdinando Stanley, the 5th Earl of Derby, and Lady Alice Spencer.

For a time, his mother, Lady Frances, was actually second in line to become the Queen of England! This was based on the will of King Henry VIII. However, her older sister, Lady Anne Stanley, was passed over. Instead, King James VI of Scotland became the ruler of England.

Before he became an Earl, John Egerton was known as Viscount Brackley. He took over the title of Earl in 1649. He held several important jobs for the King.

He was a Lord Lieutenant in different areas. This job was like being the King's main representative in a county. He served in Buckinghamshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, and Hertfordshire. In 1679, he also joined the Privy Council. This was a group of important advisors to the King.

Lord Bridgewater was buried in a place called Little Gaddesden in Hertfordshire.

John Egerton's Family

The Egerton family coat of arms.

In 1641, when he was still Viscount Brackley, John Egerton married Lady Elizabeth Cavendish. She was the daughter of William Cavendish, the 1st Duke of Newcastle.

John and Elizabeth had several children together:

• John Egerton, 3rd Earl of Bridgewater (born 1646, died 1701)
• Sir William Egerton (born 1649, died 1691)
• Thomas Egerton (born 1651, died 1685)
• Two other sons
• Charles Egerton, who became a Member of Parliament
• Elizabeth Egerton (born 1653, died 1709), who married Robert Sidney, the 4th Earl of Leicester
• Two other daughters

See also

• Egerton family