Royal Ascot 



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second daughter of Charles, Duke of Somerset, by whom 

 he had a son, Charles, who succeeded him ; and secondly, 

 Lady Maria Catherine, widow of the Marquis of Blandford. 

 In 1 710 his election as Member of Parliament for the County 

 of Somerset began a political connection, which continued 

 to the end of his life. On June 8th, 171 1, Sir William 

 was appointed Master of the Buckhounds. Although his 

 tenure of office lasted little more than a year (June 27th, 

 1712), many circumstances occurred which made it of peculiar 

 interest. It may be considered worthy of note that among 

 the duties which the membership imposed upon Sir William 

 were the superintendence of the making of forest rides and 

 the improvement of roadways. This is not the place to 

 more than glance at Sir William's services as a statesman 

 and politician. He was Secretary-at-War in 1712 and 

 Chancellor of the Exchequer in 171 3. In 171 5, on suspicion 

 of being concerned in the Earl of Mar's rising, he was 

 committed to prison ; but was released without being brought 

 to trial. He was the master of an eloquence which was 

 the delight of all who listened to him, and which was never 

 used save in behalf of patriotism, freedom, and truth. He 

 died on June 17th, 1740. 



1 71 2-1 71 5. — George, 3rd Earl of Cardigan, was 

 born in 1687, and succeeded his grandfather, Robert, Earl 

 of Cardigan, in 1703. On June 28th, 171 2, he was appointed 

 Master of the Buckhounds. The Royal sport appears to 

 have enjoyed considerable prosperity during his 7'(^gvnc, 

 and the herds, which had suffered depletion by years of 

 poaching, were replenished. The fields were large anci the 

 company brilliant. Owing to the Queen's death in 1714 

 hunting was temporarily discontinued and the Mastership 



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