James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos (1673 - 9 August 1744) had been member of parliament for Hereford from 1698 to 1714, and, three days after his father's death, was created Viscount Wilton and earl of Carnarvon.
During the War of the Spanish Succession, he was paymaster-general of the forces abroad, and in this capacity he amassed great wealth. In 1719 he was created marquess of Carnarvon and duke of Chandos.
The duke is chiefly remembered on account of his connection with George Handel and with Alexander Pope. He built a magnificent house at Canons near Edgware in Middlesex, and is said to have contemplated the construction of a private road between this place and his unfinished house in Cavendish Square , London. For over two years Handel, employed by Chandos, lived at Canons, where he composed his oratorio Esther. Pope, who in his Moral Essays (Epistle to the Earl of Burlington) doubtless described Canons under the guise of Timons Villa, referred to the duke in the line, "Thus gracious Chandos is belovd at sight"; but Jonathan Swift, less complimentary, called him a great complier with every court. The poet was caricatured by Hogarth for his supposed servility to the duke.
Chandos, who was lord-lieutenant of the counties of Hereford and Radnor, and chancellor of the university of St Andrews, became involved in financial difficulties, and after his death Canons was pulled down.
He was succeeded by his son Henry Brydges, 2nd Duke of Chandos .
