John Radcliffe (1738–1783)

He rebuilt the house in 1770-71 of plastered brick, standing about the four sides of a courtyard, which represents the old, small, cloister garth.

When they became engaged, George Selwyn wrote about Radcliffe to Lord Carlisle on 12 January 1768 “He is very well spoke of, et le nom est assez beau”.

Carlisle wrote to Selwyn, from Rome on 18 June 1768 “Everybody gives Mr. R. such a good character.” Radcliffe was put forward at the 1768 general election for St Albans by Lord Grimston who on 21 September 1767 asked the Duke of Newcastle to give “an intimation ... to Mr. West in favour of Mr. Radcliffe my candidate”.

Lord Spencer considered running two candidates for the borough but in the event Radcliffe was returned as Member of Parliament unopposed.

[1] Hitchin Priory passed to his sister Penelope who had married Sir Charles Farnaby, 3rd Baronet on 12 August 1762.