Edward Hungerford (spendthrift)

He was famous for his profligate ways and sold thirty manors, including the family seat at Farleigh Hungerford, to fund his extravagant lifestyle.

In January 1680 he presented a petition for the summoning of a parliament,[5] and his avowed opposition to the court party of King Charles II led to his removal as Lord Lieutenant of his county in May 1681.

[citation needed] Hungerford obtained some reputation as a patron of archery, and was lieutenant-colonel of the Regiment of Archers in 1661, and colonel in 1682.

By way of restoring his waning fortunes, he obtained permission in 1679 to hold a market, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays on the site of the demolished Hungerford House and grounds.

A bust of Sir Edward was placed on the north front, with an inscription stating that the market had been built at his expense with the king's sanction.

In about 1700 it was purchased by Joseph Houlton of Trowbridge, in the possession of whose descendants it remained until July 1891, when it was bought by Lord Donington.

In March 1684 Rachel married Clotworthy Skeffington, third Viscount Massereene, and on her death she left to her eldest son portraits of her father, of her granduncle (another Sir Edward Hungerford), and of other relations.