Lydia Catherine Van Hattem Davall Brydges, Duchess of Chandos (1693-1750), was the daughter of John Vanhattem, an Anglo-Dutch merchant. Her first marriage was to Thomas Davall (1682-1714), a London merchant and M.P. for Harwich, who was also her cousin. He was knighted in June 1713 and died less than a year later in April 1714, leaving Catherine, a wealthy widow with a son, Thomas who died in 1718, thus ending the Davall line. Lydia Catherine became the third Duchess of Chandos on her marriage to James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos (1674-1744). The Duke died in 1744, leaving Lydia, for the next six years, to settle his accounts and auction art, furniture, and other household items in order to pay off his debts before her own death in November 1750.
From the description of Papers of Lydia Catherine Brydges, Duchess of Chandos, 1538-2002 (bulk 1548-1780). (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 502462023
