James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos PC was the first of fourteen children by Sir James Brydges, 3rd Baronet of Wilton Castle, Sheriff of Herefordshire, 8th Lord Chandos; and Elizabeth Barnard. Three days after his father's death on 16 October 1714, he was created Viscount Wilton and Earl of Carnarvon; he became Duke of Chandos in 1719. He was a Member of Parliament for Hereford from 1698 to 1714.