Sir Brook Bridges, 3rd Baronet facts for kids

Sir Brook William Bridges, 3rd Baronet (born September 17, 1733 – died September 4, 1791) was an important figure in British politics. He held the title of baronet, which is like a special inherited title of honor, and was a Whig politician. The Whigs were a political group in Britain who believed in certain ideas about government and society.

Goodnestone House was the home of the Bridges family.

Sir Brook William Bridges was born in Whitehall, London. He was the only son of Sir Brook Bridges, 2nd Baronet. His mother was Anne Palmer. Sadly, his father passed away before he was born. Because he was the eldest son born after his father's death, he inherited his father's title and the family's property, Goodnestone Park in Kent, right from birth.

Early Life and Learning

Sir Brook William Bridges received a good education. He studied at Eton College, a famous school, and then at Trinity College, Cambridge, until 1752. After his studies, he went on a "Grand Tour". This was a common trip for young, wealthy men back then. They would travel across Europe to learn about art, history, and different cultures.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1763, Sir Brook William Bridges began his political career. He was elected to the British House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament. He represented the area of Kent as a Member of Parliament (MP). He served in this role for many years, until 1774. For some time, he also worked as the Receiver General for the land tax in Kent. This meant he was responsible for collecting a specific type of tax in that area.

Family Life and Children

On June 11, 1765, Sir Brook William Bridges married Fanny Fowler. Their wedding took place at St George's, Hanover Square in London. Fanny was the daughter of Edmund Fowler. She was also the heiress to the title of Baron Fitzwalter. Sir Brook and Fanny had a large family together. They had six daughters and seven sons.

Meet the Bridges Children

• Sophia (died 1844): She married a man named Colonel William Deedes, who was also an MP. They had at least four sons.
• Harriet Mary: She married Reverend George Moore. His father was the Archbishop of Canterbury, a very important religious leader. Harriet and George had one son, Edward. Edward later married Lady Harriet Montagu-Scott.
• Brook (August 14, 1766 – July 9, 1781): He was their second son but sadly passed away when he was young.
• Sir Brook William (June 22, 1767 – April 21, 1829): He became the 4th Baronet after his father. He married Eleanor Foote first. They had three children, including Brook Bridges, 1st Baron FitzWalter and Sir Brook William Bridges, 5th Baronet. Later, he married Dorothy Hawley, but they did not have children.
• Reverend Brook Henry (June 1, 1769 – September 20, 1855): He married Jane Hales. They had five children.
• Elizabeth (1773–1808): She married Edward Austen Knight. Edward was the older brother of the famous writer Jane Austen. Jane Austen often visited Elizabeth and Edward at Goodnestone. Elizabeth and Edward had eleven children.
• Reverend Brook Edward (1779 – April 23, 1825): He married Harriet Foote, who was Eleanor's sister. They had two sons. This is the "Edward Bridges" mentioned in Jane Austen's letters.

Later Years and Legacy

Sir Brook William Bridges passed away at the age of 57 in Portman Square in London. He was buried in Goodnestone. After his death, his second son, William, inherited the baronetcy. William had taken on the additional name Brook after his older brother, also named Brook, passed away in 1781.