Charles Pratt PC (bef. 1714 - 1794)

Born before 21 Mar 1714 in Kensington, London, England

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Jeffreys) Pratt — married 4 Oct 1749 in Holborn, London, England

Descendants

Died 18 Apr 1794 after age 80 in Camden Place, Kent, England

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Anonymous Farnham [send private message]

Biography

Charles Pratt PC is Notable.

Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden, was a British lawyer, judge, and politician who played a significant role in legal and political history. He is also known for founding the London district of Camden Town.

Early Life and Education

Born into a prominent legal family, Charles Pratt was baptised in 1714^[1]. He received a classical education at Eton College and King's College, Cambridge. He studied law and was called to the bar in 1738, quickly establishing himself as a successful barrister.

Legal and Political Career

He became Attorney-General in 1757 and Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in 1762. In these roles, he advocated for civil liberties and limited government power through landmark rulings like Wilkes v. Wood (1763), which challenged the use of general warrants.

Lord Chancellor and Political Influence

Appointed Lord Chancellor in 1766, Pratt became a key figure in Whig politics. He initially supported the American colonists but later advocated for reconciliation. His political stance, however, shifted him away from his close friend William Pitt the Elder.

Founding Camden Town

Inheriting the Camden estate in 1779, Pratt began developing it into a planned residential area north of London. He envisioned wide streets, squares, and gardens, and the area was named Camden Town after him in 1794. This development project solidified his legacy beyond his legal and political contributions.

Camden County, New Jersey is named in his honor.

He mar. 4 Oct 1749 Elizabeth Jeffreys (d. 10 Dec 1779), dau. and event. sole hrss. of Nicholas Jeffreys, son and heir of Sir Jeffrey Jeffreys, of Brecknock Priory, co. Brecknock

Children:

1. Hon John Jeffreys Pratt, later 2nd Earl Camden later 1st Marquess Camden
2. Lady Frances Pratt (b. c. 1751; d. 18 Jan 1833), mar. 7 Jun 1775 as his second wife Robert [Stewart], 1st Marquess of Londonderry, and had issue
3. Lady Elizabeth Pratt (d. May 1826)
4. Lady Sarah Pratt (d. 7 Apr 1817), mar. 2 Nov 1779 Nicholas Price, of Saintfield, co. Durham (d. 4 Jun 1847), and had issue
5. Lady Jane Pratt (d. 1825), mar. Sir Walter James Head later James, 1st Bt., of Langley Hall, co. Berkshire, and had issue

He was buried in Seal, Kent, England. ^[2]

The probate date of his will was 30th April 1794 ^[3]

Sources

1. ↑ Ancestry.com. Kensington and Chelsea, Church of England Parish Chest Records, 1597-1950 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2023. Local Studies and Archives-Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; London, England; Kensington and Chelsea Parish Chest; Reference: MS63/9669 Ancestry Sharing Link
2. ↑ Find A Grave: Memorial #33477740
3. ↑ Ancestry.com. England & Wales, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013. The National Archives; Kew, Surrey, England; Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Series PROB 11; Class: PROB 11; Piece: 1244 Ancestry Sharing Link

• Cracrofts Peerage Charles Pratt, 1st Baron Camden later 1st Earl Camden, PC.
• The History of Parliament Trust Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden.

• Wikipedia "Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden"