Richard Myddelton 1655-1716

Sir Richard MYDDELTON, 3rd bart 1655-1716

Biographical Note

Younger son of Sir Thomas Myddelton, of Chirk Castle, Denbighshire, who inherited the baronetcy and family estates when his older brother Thomas, the 2nd baronet, died in 1684. Matriculated at Brasenose College, Oxford 1680, but did not graduate; his education was continued by travelling abroad. He held a series of local administrative posts from the late 1670s onwards, and was MP for Denbighshire 1685-1715.

Books

The library at Chirk Castle was developed over succeeding generations of the Myddelton family, beginning with Richard's father Sir Thomas. Although the castle was sacked, and its library destroyed, in 1659 it was quickly rebuilt. Richard's brother, the 1st and 2nd baronets, were short-lived and we do not know how actively they augmented the library; however, a catalogue made during Richard's time, in 1704, lists over 1300 books. It descended through successive members of the family, several of whom were active in developing it further (Robert Myddelton, John Myddelton).

Sources

• History of Parliament.
• Purcell, M., National Trust libraries in Wales, National Trust Historic Houses and Collections Annual 2011, 12-19.