Family and Education

b. 20 Nov. 1702, 1st s. of Robert Packer of Shellingford and Donnington. educ. Westminster c.1715-17. unm. suc. to Bucklebury estate of his aunt Frances, Viscountess Bolingbroke 1718; fa. 1731.

Offices Held

Biography

Although Lady Bolingbroke made Winchcomb Packer, then a minor, her heir, he and his father had to face much opposition at Bucklebury both from the Crown, owing to Bolingbroke’s attainder, and from Bolingbroke himself, claiming as life tenant thereof, after his restoration and return to England in 1725.1 Entering Parliament as a Tory at a by-election in 1731 on his father’s death, he voted consistently against the Government. In 1738 he obtained an Act of Parliament under which he sold Shellingford to Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, who had engaged support for the bill from her grandson, John Spencer, the ultimate beneficiary.2 He died 21 Aug. 1746.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: R. S. Lea

Notes

• 1. VCH Berks. iii. 292; A. L. Humphreys, Bucklebury, 322; see PACKER, Robert.
• 2. VCH Berks. iv. 476; Duchess of Marlborough to Packer, 19 Apr. 1738, Berks. RO, D/EHy.