John Bligh, Earl of Darnley

John Bligh, Earl of Darnley, politician, was buried on 25th September 1728 in the north ambulatory, near the steps leading up to Henry VII's Lady Chapel, in Westminster Abbey. He has no readable gravestone or a monument. He was the eldest son of Thomas Bligh of Rathmore in co. Meath in Ireland and his wife Elizabeth (Napier). His brother Thomas became an army officer and politician, and brother Robert was educated at Westminster School. John was created Baron Clifton of Rathmore in 1721, Viscount Darnley of Athboy in 1723 and Earl of Darnley in 1725. He died at Epsom in Surrey on 12th September aged 41. His marriage to Lady Theodosia Hyde, daughter of Edward Hyde, 3rd Earl of Clarendon and his wife Catherine O'Brien, took place in the Abbey on 24th August 1713. She was buried, as Baroness Clifton of Leighton Bromswold, on 15th August 1722 and was buried in her family grave in the north ambulatory. Several of their children were baptised at St Martin in the Fields church in London. Son Edward, Earl of Darnley inherited the Clifton barony on the death of his mother and died unmarried aged 31, being buried with his parents on 1st August 1747. His other son John was educated at Westminster School and became 3rd Earl of Darnley.

Further information

History of Parliament online