Charles Bathurst

Charles Bathurst PC (born Charles Bragge in 1754 – died 13 August 1831) was a British politician active during the early 19th century.

**Early Life and Education**

He was born in 1754 to Charles Bragge of Cleeve Hill, Gloucestershire, and his wife Anne Bathurst, who was the granddaughter of Sir Benjamin Bathurst, a younger brother of Allen Bathurst, 1st Earl Bathurst. He was educated at Winchester School and New College, Oxford. In 1772, he commenced legal studies at Lincoln's Inn and was called to the bar in 1778.

**Name Change and Inheritance**

In 1804, upon inheriting Lydney Park in Gloucestershire from his maternal uncle, Poole Bathurst, he assumed the surname Bathurst by royal licence, replacing Bragge.

**Political Career**

Bathurst represented multiple constituencies as a Member of Parliament (MP): Monmouth from 1790 to 1796, Bristol from 1796 to 1812, Bodmin from 1812 to 1818, and Harwich from 1818 to 1823. He was appointed to the Privy Council in 1801. His government roles included Treasurer of the Navy under Henry Addington from 1801 to 1803, Secretary at War from 1803 to 1804, Master of the Mint under the Duke of Portland from 1806 to 1807, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster under Lord Liverpool from 1812 to 1823, and President of the Board of Control from 1821 to 1822.

In 1796, he was granted honorary freedom of the Society of Merchant Venturers, an award associated with support for the transatlantic slave trade.

**Family and Succession**

In 1781, Bathurst married Charlotte Addington, daughter of Anthony Addington. They had four children: two sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Charles Bathurst, succeeded him; his younger son, Reverend William Hiley Bathurst, became the grandfather of Charles Bathurst, 1st Viscount Bledisloe. Charlotte Bathurst survived her husband by eight years, passing away in May 1839.

**Death**

Charles Bathurst died in August 1831.