John Dunning, Lord Ashburton

(b. Oct. 18, 1731, Ashburton, Devon – d. Aug. 18, 1783, Exmouth, Exeter, Devon )

Gender: M

John Dunning (1731-1783) was the younger son of John Dunning, a Devon attorney. He studied law and was called to the bar. He was MP for Calne in Wiltshire, and in 1768 was appointed Solicitor-General in the Duke of Grafton’s administration. He was a member of Lord Rockingham’s cabinet, and in 1782 was created Baron Ashburton and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. He married Elizabeth Baring (whose brothers Francis and John founded Barings Bank) and they had two sons. Dunning died at Exmouth and was buried at Ashburton, the place where he was born.

Also known as:

Lord Ashburton
John Dunning

Please note that all dates and location information are provisional, initially taken from the library and archive catalogues. As our section editors continue to work through the material we will update our database and the changes will be reflected across the edition.

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