John Bridges

John Bridges (1666–1724) was an English lawyer, antiquarian and topographer. Life Bridges was born at Barton Seagrave, Northamptonshire, where his father then resided. His grandfather was Colonel John Bridges of Alcester, Warwickshire, whose eldest son of the same name purchased the manor of Barton Seagrave about 1665, and as an improving landowner introduced the cultivation of sainfoin. His mother was Elizabeth, sister of Sir William Trumball, secretary of state. His brother was the painter and missionary Charles Bridges. He was bred to the law, became a bencher of Lincoln's Inn, was appointed solicitor to the customs in 1695, a commissioner in 1711, and cashier of excise in 1715. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1708. He was also a governor of the Bridewell and Bethlehem Hospital. He died at his chambers in Lincoln's Inn on 16 March 1724. Bridges's collection of books and prints was sold by auction. The sale of the entire library of over 4,000 books and manuscripts started on 7 February 1726; his collection of prints was sold on 24 March 1726. Both auctions, held at his chambers in Lincoln's Inn, were handled by Christopher Cock.