had one son, John; and three daughters; Anne, who died Dec. 7, 1721, unmarried; Isabella, who married the Rev. John Bayley, of Chaddesdon, but had no issue; and Mary (the last of that branch of the Family), who died unmarried in 1767*.

Nicholas Hardinge, esq. younger brother to Sir Robert, purchased, in 1671, the manor of Canbury, including part of the town of Kingston-upon-Thames, with the impropriation of Kingston church. He presented his nephew Gideon to that vicarage in 1692; and died in March 1709, leaving one son Nicholas, who died Feb. 24, 1736-7; and was succeeded at Canbury by his cousin and heir-at-law Nicholas, of whom hereafter.

Gideon Hardinge was more than twenty years Vicar of Kingston, and died Jan. 28, 1712-13†.

By Mary his wife he had issue two daughters, Sarah and Mary; and two sons, Nicholas and Caleb, who both attained considerable eminence in their several professions.

Mary, the youngest daughter, was married to Sir John Stracey, Knt. Recorder of the City of London 1746-1749; by whom he had five children; Har

* See the Epitaphs in Appendix, No. I.

+ See Mr. Nicholas Hardinge's Epitaph on his Father, and his Lines on the Death of his eldest Son, in Appendix, No. II.

Of Jesus College, Cambridge; B. A. 1720; M. A. 1724; M. D. (Regiis Comitiis) 1728; F. R. S. 1743; and many years Physician Extraordinary to King George II. and Physician to the Tower. He died at Mansfield in January 1776. He was a man of singular habits and whims, but of infinite humour and wit. He was, like his brother, a most admirable scholar; and, if he had been uniformly attentive to the duties of his profession, would have acquired the first ranks in it. In medical sagacity and learning he had few if any superiors. His conversation was coveted by the most accomplished wits and scholars of his age. He was a man of perfect honour, and a more benevolent one never breathed. His passion for coursing was one of his most prominent characteristics; but, like all the rest, he made it the source of infinite amusement for his friends. Some pleasing traits of him, by his brother, the late worthy Judge, are given in the Literary Anecdotes," vol. VIII. pp. 523, 584, 530.-The Doctor's Widow, a lady of considerable talents, died in 1779.

dinge, John, Edward, Mary, and Anne. Hardinge, the eldest, was several years Clerk of the Committee of Privileges and Elections in the House of Commons.

Nicholas Hardinge, esq. the youngest son of Gideon, was born in 1700, and educated at Eton; whence in 1718-19 he removed to King's College, Cambridge. Both at Eton and Cambridge *, he had the fame of the most eminent scholar of his time. His Latin Poems in every measure and style are much admired. He was thought equal, if not superior, in that line, to the celebrated Dr. George, Provost of King's.

In 1726 Mr. Hardinge took the degree of M. A.; and in the same year, having been previously called to the Bar at the Middle Temple, he was chosen Recorder of Kingston. He had also the honour of being appointed Law Reader and Attorney General to William Duke of Cumberland; Auditor to Princess Amelia; Principal Clerk of the House of ommons from 1731 to 1747-8; Joint Secretary to the Treasury, with James West, esq. in 1752; and a Representative in Parliament for Eye in Suffolk in 1752 and 1754.

Mr. Hardinge was as much distinguished by his virtues and literary attainments, as by the ability and integrity with which he discharged the im

*While he was at Cambridge, Party was at the highest in his own College, and he was at the head of the Whigs. Doctor Snape was then Provost A violent contest arose upon the subject of a Mr. Bushe, who having, in one of the College exercises, given offence by some political reflections injurious to the Tory cause, was expelled; and, upon appeal to the Bishop of Lincoln, was reinstated. The sentence of the Bishop was litigated; but, in the end, the Whigs prevailed, and gave a turn to the political sentiments of the whole University. In every part of this contest Mr. Hardinge's judgment, knowledge of the Law, address, and spirit, were of infinite service to the party, and to his own character. His attention to the points of that controversy led him insensibly to a perfect knowledge of the general subject of Visitorial power, which he discussed in a very masterly Essay, never published, though he intended it for publication.

portant

portant duties of his various public employments, He was a rigidly honest, useful, and able servant of the Revenue in the office of Secretary of the Treasury. He was in politicks a determined and zealous Whig. He had a severe countenance; but the most playful manner with his most intimate friends, and was full of Socratic humour, He was a deep and judicious Antiquary, particularly in what concerned English Law and History *. At the request of William Duke of Cumberland, he wrote a very learned Memorial upon the Regency, when the subject arose in the last reign, of which Lord Hardwicke spoke in very high terms, calling it, in a Letter which he wrote to him on that subject, "an invaluable work." It was by Mr. Hardinge's advice and encouragement that Mr. Stuart, the celebrated Traveller, undertook his journey to Athens, with a view of illustrating the History of that City.

His diligence, accuracy, knowledge, and skill, in the office of Clerk in the House to the House of Commons were never exceeded. He put the Journals into their present form; and drew up a very able Report of the condition in which he found them, making part of that work. In his office of Secretary, he was laborious, able, zealous, and so honest that he had many enemies."

* In the British Museum is the following "Account of the Recovery of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton's Papers, by Nicolas Hardinge, Esq." (Birch MSS. 4106. 3.)—" Mr. Mansfield, formerly a grocer at Windsor, was executor of Mr. John Hales, Fellow of Eton College. Mr. Mansfield died at his house at Eton. His effects being sold after his death, several books and MSS. which appeared to have belonged to Mr. Hales, were purchased by the learned persons of Eton College, and particularly by Dr. Evans, Fellow of it. Throckmorton's Letters were part of the MSS. so purchased. Mr. Hardinge, who had seen the Letters in Dr. Evans's custody, obtained them of his executors, with a design to preserve them in the Paper Office, in compliance with Sir Henry Wotton's will, who left all Sir Nicholas Throckmorton's Papers to King Charles I."

These are the words of his Son, the late worthy Judge; who adds, "My Father was allowed on all hands to be one of

the