James Craggs the Elder

[1] After following various callings in London, Craggs, who was a person of considerable financial ability, entered the service of the Duchess of Marlborough.

Through her influence he was returned at the 1702 English general election as Member of Parliament for Grampound.

[1] Craggs was in business as an army clothier and held several official positions, becoming joint Postmaster-General in 1715.

Craggs also increased his wealth by mixing in the affairs of the South Sea Company, but after his death an act of parliament confiscated all the property which he had acquired since December 1719.

He left an enormous fortune when he died in disgrace for his involvement in the South Sea Bubble, a month after the death of his son.