Biography of Edward Villiers 1st Earl Jersey 1656-1711

Before 1651 [his father] Edward Villiers (age 30) and [his mother] Frances Howard were married. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk and [his grandmother] Elizabeth Home Countess Suffolk.

Around 1656 Edward Villiers 1st Earl Jersey was born to Edward Villiers (age 35) and Frances Howard.

In October 1677 [his mother] Frances Howard died.

On 17th December 1681 Edward Villiers 1st Earl Jersey (age 25) and Barbara Chiffinch Countess Jersey (age 18) were married.

Around 1682 [his son] William Villiers 2nd Earl Jersey was born to Edward Villiers 1st Earl Jersey (age 26) and [his wife] Barbara Chiffinch Countess Jersey (age 19).

In February 1685 [his father] Edward Villiers (age 64) and Martha Love were married at Westminster Abbey [Map].

Before 2nd July 1689 [his father] Edward Villiers (age 69) died.

In 1691 Edward Villiers 1st Earl Jersey (age 35) was created 1st Viscount Villiers, 1st Baron Villiers probably as a consequence of his sister [his sister] Barbara Villiers Viscountess Fitzhardinge (age 37) being a mistress of King William III of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 40). [his wife] Barbara Chiffinch Countess Jersey (age 28) by marriage Viscountess Villiers.

In 1697 Edward Villiers 1st Earl Jersey (age 41) was created 1st Earl Jersey probably as a consequence of his sister [his sister] Barbara Villiers Viscountess Fitzhardinge (age 43) being a mistress of King William III of England, Scotland and Ireland (age 46). [his wife] Barbara Chiffinch Countess Jersey (age 34) by marriage Countess Jersey.

John Evelyn's Diary. 24th April 1700. This week there was a great change of State officers. The Duke of Shrewsbury (age 39) resigned his Lord Chamberlainship to the Earl of Jersey (age 44), the Duke's indisposition requiring his retreat. Mr. Vernon (age 54), Secretary of State, was put out. The Seal was taken from the Lord Chancellor Somers (age 49), though he had been acquitted by a great majority of votes for what was charged against him in the House of Commons. This being in term time, put some stop to business, many eminent lawyers refusing to accept the office, considering the uncertainty of things in this fluctuating conjuncture. It is certain that this Chancellor was a most excellent lawyer, very learned in all polite literature, a superior pen, master of a handsome style, and of easy conversation; but he is said to make too much haste to be rich, as his predecessor, and most in place in this age did, to a more prodigious excess than was ever known. But the Commons had now so mortified the Court party, and property and liberty were so much invaded in all the neighboring kingdoms, that their jealousy made them cautious, and every day strengthened the law which protected the people from tyranny.

Before 21st May 1710 [his former son-in-law] Thomas Thynne and [his daughter] Mary Villiers Baroness Lansdowne were married. She the daughter of Edward Villiers 1st Earl Jersey (age 54) and [his wife] Barbara Chiffinch Countess Jersey (age 47). They were fifth cousin once removed.

Before 25th August 1711 Godfrey Kneller (age 65). Portrait of Edward Villiers 1st Earl Jersey (age 55).

On 25th August 1711 Edward Villiers 1st Earl Jersey (age 55) died. His son [his son] William (age 29) succeeded 2nd Earl Jersey, 2nd Viscount Villiers, 2nd Baron Villiers.

On 22nd July 1735 [his former wife] Barbara Chiffinch Countess Jersey (age 72) died.

[his daughter] Mary Villiers Baroness Lansdowne was born to Edward Villiers 1st Earl Jersey and Barbara Chiffinch Countess Jersey.

[his son] Henry Villiers was born to Edward Villiers 1st Earl Jersey and Barbara Chiffinch Countess Jersey.