John Egerton (1579-1649), 1st Earl of Bridgewater, was born on 8 June 1579, the second son of Thomas Egerton, Viscount Brackley. After serving under the Earl of Essex in Ireland during 1599, he was Baron of the Exchequer of Chester, 1599-1605. He succeeded his father as Viscount in 1617, and that year was created Earl of Bridgewater. He joined the Privy Council in 1626, and from 1631 to 1642 was Lord President of Wales and Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, and north and south Wales. He died on 4 December 1649.
From the guide to the Charles I: Instructions to Earl of Bridgewater, Mid 17th century (copy of original of 1633), (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)
