Egerton, John (1646-11-09 - 1701-03-19)

John Egerton was born on 9 November 1646. On 23 April 1661, he was made a knight of the Bath at the coronation of Charles II. On 20 April 1673, he was admitted to the inner Temple. He succeeded his father as Earl of Bridgewater on 26 October 1686, inheriting the family estates. From 1686 until 1688, Bridgewater served as Recorder of Brackley. He lost his position as Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire in 1687 owing to his opposition to James II; however, he was reinstated in 1689. His career continued to flourish nationally from the late 1680s. On 7 May 1689, he became a member of the privy council. He was also speaker of the House of Lords in 1697 and 1700. William III appointed him first Lord of the Admiralty on 22 May 1699, a position he held until his death on 19 March 1701. Shortly after, Bridgewater was buried with his ancestors at Little Gaddesden. There is a portrait of Bridgewater by Godfrey Kneller, held at Belton House, Lincolnshire.