John Granville, 1st Earl of Bath

John Granville, 1st Earl of Bath (29 August 1628 – 22 August 1701) was an English royalist statesman, whose highest position was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

He was a son of Sir Bevil Grenville and his wife Grace Smythe. His mother was a daughter of Sir George Smythe.

Career

Granville fought in the English Civil War, on the side of Charles I and in the regiment of his father. He was created a knight due to his bravery, and became a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to the Prince of Wales.

He accompanied Charles II to exile, and mediated with the Long Parliament. In 1660, Granville was instrumental in the negotiations between his cousin Monck, and Charles II that led to the restoration of the King. Shortly after the Restoration, he contested the succession of the Dukedom of Albemarle, but lost. He was presently created Earl of Bath, Viscount Granville, and Baron Granville, and invested a Privy Councillor two years later (in 1663). In 1665, he served as the titular Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, although he never went to Ireland (and is consequently not considered a true holder of that office).

Lord Bath was twice appointed colonel of the 10th Regiment of Foot, first in 1685 then again in 1688 (around the time of the Glorious Revolution). He died in London, England upon the turn of the 18th century.

Marriage and children

Bath married Jane Wyche, daughter of Sir Peter Wyche. They were parents of five children:
*Jane Granville (d. 27 February, 1696). She married Sir William Leveson-Gower, 4th Baronet and was mother of John Leveson-Gower, 1st Baron Gower.
*Charles Granville, 2nd Earl of Bath (d. September, 1701). He was father to William Henry Granville, 3rd Earl of Bath.
*John Granville, 1st Baron Granville (d. 1707).
*Catherine Granville.
*Grace Granville, Countess Granville (c. 1667 – 18 October, 1744). She married George Carteret, 1st Baron Carteret and was mother to John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville.