Charles FitzRoy-Scudamore

Charles FitzRoy-Scudamore was born circa 1713 and died on 22 August 1782. He was a British politician who served continuously in the House of Commons from 1733 until his death in 1782, a period spanning approximately 49 years. His birth name was Charles FitzRoy.

FitzRoy-Scudamore was the illegitimate son of Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton. He received his education at Westminster School, attending from 1721 to 1730.

In 1744, he married Frances Scudamore. She was the only child and heir of James Scudamore, 3rd Viscount Scudamore. This marriage followed her divorce from Henry Somerset, 3rd Duke of Beaufort, in 1743. Through his marriage, FitzRoy-Scudamore acquired the estate of Holme Lacy, the seat of the Viscounts Scudamore. On 22 March 1749, he adopted the additional surname Scudamore, becoming FitzRoy-Scudamore.

Throughout his parliamentary career, FitzRoy-Scudamore represented multiple constituencies. He served as Member of Parliament for Thetford from 1733 to 1754, for Hereford from 1754 to 1768, for Heytesbury from 1768 to 1774, and again for Thetford from 1774 until March 1782.

Due to his extensive service in the House of Commons, he succeeded William Aislabie as the Father of the House in 1781. He held this title until his death the following year.

FitzRoy-Scudamore's only child was Frances (1750–1820). She married Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk, as his second wife. Frances later suffered from mental illness and was confined for many years. She died without issue. Following her death, the estate of Holme Lacy was involved in complex legal disputes and ultimately was inherited by Sir Edwin Stanhope, 3rd Baronet, who adopted the surname Scudamore.

References for further information include historical records and genealogical sources related to British parliamentary history and aristocratic lineages.