BRIDGER, Richard (1620-99), of Coombe Place, Hamsey, Suss.

Bridger owned a sizable estate near Lewes and was returned again for the borough in 1690 on his own interest. He was classed as a Whig in Lord Carmarthen’s (Sir Thomas Osborne†) analysis of the new Parliament and as a Country supporter in Robert Harley’s* list of April 1691, but he was evidently not an active Member. Given leave of absence on 10 Jan. 1694 for health reasons, Bridger did not seek re-election in 1695. He was buried on 8 Jan. 1699 at Warminghurst in Sussex, one of his daughters later marrying Charles Goring*. Vis. Suss. 17.