BECKFORD, William (1709-70), of Fonthill Abbey, nr. Hindon, Wilts.

bap. 19 Dec. 1709 in Jamaica, 2nd s. of Peter Beckford, sugar planter, Speaker of the Jamaica House of Assembly and comptroller of customs, by Bathshua, da. and coh. of Julines Hering, also of Jamaica. educ. Westminster 1719; Balliol, Oxf. 1725; Leyden Univ. as medical studentR. M. Howard, Recs. and Letters of Longs of Jamaica, i. 109. 1731; said afterwards to have studied at the Hôpital des Invalides in Paris.London Chron. 23-26 June 1770. m. 8 June 1756, Maria, da. of Hon. George Hamilton, 2nd surv. s. of James, 6th Earl of Abercorn [S], wid. of Francis Marsh, 1 surv. s., 6 illegit. s. and 2da. recognized in his will. suc. bro. 1737.