JAMES BRYDGES, 1st duke of Chandos (1673-1744), son and heir of the last-named, had been member of parliament for Here ford from 1698 to 1714, and, three days after his father's death, was created Viscount Wilton and earl of Carnarvon. For eight years, from to 1713, during the War of the Spanish Succes sion, he was paymaster-general of the forces abroad, and in this capacity he amassed great wealth. In 1719 he was created mar quess of Carnarvon and duke of Chandos. The duke is chiefly re membered on account of his connection with Handel and with Pope. He built a magnificent house at Canons near Edgware in Middlesex. For over two years Handel, employed by Chandos, lived at Canons, where he composed his oratorio Esther. Pope, who in his Moral Essays (Epistle to the Earl of Burlington) doubtless described Canons under the guise of "Timon's Villa," referred to the duke in the line, "Thus gracious Chandos is belov'd at sight" ; but Swift, less complimentary, called him "a great com plier with every court." After his death on Aug. 9, 1744, Canons was pulled down. He was succeeded by his son Henry, 2nd duke (1708-1771), and grandson James, 3rd duke (1731-1789). The third duke's only daughter, Anna Elizabeth, who became Baroness Kinloss on her father's death, was married, in 1196 to Richard Grenville, afterwards marquess of Buckingham; and in 1822 this nobleman was created duke of Buckingham and Chandos (see BUCKINGHAM, DUKES OF).
See G. E. C(okayne), Complete Peerage (1887-98) ; and J. R. Robin son, The Princely Chandos, i.e., the Ist duke