Family and Education

b. 12 Mar. 1721, 1st surv. s. of William Dowdeswell by his 2nd w. educ. Westminster 1730-6; Ch. Ch. Oxf. 1737; Leyden; Grand Tour (Italy, Greece). m. 6 Nov. 1747, Bridget, da. of Sir William Codrington, 1st Bt., 5s. 7da.

Offices Held

Chancellor of the Exchequer 1765-6; P.C. 10 July 1765.

Biography

Dowdeswell was returned for Tewkesbury in 1747 on his family’s interest. Classed as Opposition, he must have been, like his father, a Whig, for during the proceedings on the Westminster election in 1751 the Tories are described as being enraged and dividing the House after he had moved for Alexander Murray, a Jacobite (see under Westminster) to be sent to the Tower. His only other recorded speech in this Parliament was against the clause in the regency bill for continuing the sitting Parliament till the end of the minority.1 He did not stand in 1754. Attaining high office in the next reign, he died 6 Feb. 1775.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Romney R. Sedgwick

Notes

• 1. Walpole, Mems. Geo. II, i. 28, 144-5.