Clayton Mordaunt Cracherode

Clayton Mordaunt Cracherode (1730–1799) was an English book and old master print collector, and a major benefactor of the British Museum.

His father, Colonel Mordaunt Cracherode, later a general, had command of the marines in George Anson's voyage round the world, and was a wealthy landowner.

The scope of his collection including Grolier bindings, engraved gems, coins, and natural history has been assessed by Adina Davis.

Clayton's friend Bishop Barrington descended upon her, and after exercising what many later felt was undue influence, persuaded her to make a new will, in which he was named sole executor, with wide power over the disposition of the funds.

Ann died in 1802 and after specific bequests of over £33,000, some £30,000 was left for the executor to spend on "such objects of benevolence and liberality as the trustee in his own discretion shall most approve of" - perhaps equating to £2.1 million in modern terms.