Family and Education

b. 3 Mar. 1720, 2nd surv. s. of Richard, 1st Baron Edgcumbe, by Matilda, da. of Sir Henry Furnese, 1st Bt., M.P., of Waldershare, Kent, and bro. of Hon. Richard Edgcumbe. educ. ?Eton 1732. m. 6 Aug. 1761, Emma, da. of Rt. Rev. John Gilbert, abp. of York 1757-61, 1s. suc. bro. as 3rd Baron Edgcumbe, 10 May 1761;  cr. Visct. Mount Edgcumbe 5 Mar. 1781; Earl of Mount Edgcumbe 31 Aug. 1789.

Offices Held

Lt. R.N. 1739; capt. 1744; r.-adm. 1762; c.-in-c. Plymouth 1765-71; v.-adm. 1770; adm. 1778; v.-adm. Cornw. 1782.

Clerk of the duchy of Lancaster 1747-62; ld. lt. Cornw. 1761- d.; P.C. 26 July 1765; treasurer of the Household July 1765-Nov. 1766; jt. vice-treasurer [I] 1770-2 and 1784-93; capt. of gent. pens. 1772-82.

Biography

Edgcumbe was returned for Fowey on his family interest. Like the rest of his family he was an Administration supporter, but he seems rarely to have attended the House, being absent at sea for long periods; he served in the Mediterranean under Byng, with Boscawen at the capture of Louisburg in 1758, and with the Channel fleet under Hawke in 1759. There is no record of his having spoken in the House.

He died 4 Feb. 1795.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Mary M. Drummond

Notes