George Brydges, 6th Baron Chandos

George Brydges, 6th Baron Chandos (1620–1655), was the son of Grey Brydges, 5th Baron Chandos (c. 1580 – 10 August 1621) and Lady Anne Stanley; his mother in her youth had been considered heiress to the English throne (as a descendent of King Henry VIII's sister, Princess Mary Tudor), but had been passed over for King James VI of Scotland. George's stepfather was Mervyn Tuchet, 2nd Earl of Castlehaven. In 1621, George succeeded his father as Baron Chandos, being only just one years of age.

George was a supporter of King Charles I of England, during his struggle with Parliament, and distinguished himself at the first Battle of Newbury in 1643. Afterwards, he fought in the west of England. At the close of the First English Civil War, he paid a large fine to the parliament.

George Brydges firstly married Lady Susan Montagu, daughter of Henry Montagu, 1st Earl of Manchester, by whom he had three daughters, and secondly, Lady Jane Savage, daughter of John Savage, 2nd Earl Rivers, by whom he had another three daughters. His brother, William Brydges, succeeded him as 7th Baron Chandos. After William's death in 1676, the Barony was passed to a kinsman, James Brydges, who was English ambassador to Constantinople, from 1680 to 1685.

On 13 May 1653, George killed Henry Compton in a duel at Putney, and was tried and found guilty of manslaughter on 17 May 1654, after a long imprisonment. In February 1655, he died of smallpox, and was buried at Sudeley Castle, his residence.

References

Attribution

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Brydges, Grey". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.