Family and Education

b. ?1703, s. of Charles Bathurst of Clints and Scutterskelfe, Yorks. by Frances, da. and h. of Thomas Potter of Leeds, merchant. educ. Richmond, Yorks.; Peterhouse, Camb. 25 Apr. 1720, aged 16. m. 16 Feb. 1736, Anne, sis. and h. of John Hendry of Norbon, co. Dur., s.p. suc. fa. 1724.

Offices Held

Sheriff, Yorks. 1727-8.

Biography

Charles Bathurst was the great-grandson of Dr John Bathurst, M.P. Richmond 1656-8, Oliver Cromwell’s physician, who acquired by marriage the estate of Clints and other property, including the King’s Head tavern, in Richmond. A prominent freemason, he stood in 1727 jointly with Sir Marmaduke Wyvill for Richmond, which his great-grandfather and grandfather had represented and which his father and Wyvill had contested unsuccessfully in 1713. He and Wyvill were returned by their friend the mayor, who as returning officer allowed a large number of unqualified persons to vote for them, but on petition the seats were awarded to their opponents. He did not stand again, having apparently become insane. In 1730 he killed his butler but was found by the coroner’s inquest to have acted in self-defence. He is also said to have broken a waiter’s leg by throwing him downstairs at the King’s Head, telling the innkeeper to put it in the bill.1 Described in his obituary notice as ‘a man of vivacity, integrity, and generosity’,2 he died in 1743 (buried 24 Sept.).

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Romney R. Sedgwick

Notes

• 1. J. Raine, 'Marske, in Swaledale', Yorks. Arch. and Top. Jnl. vi. 267-71.
• 2. Gent. Mag. 1743, p. 499.