William, Earl of Cadogan, K.T. [Knight of the Thistle] soldier and diplomat, was buried on 21st July 1726 aged 57 in the Duke of Ormond's vault at the east end of the Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey. He has no monument but his name was inscribed on a stone over the vault in the 19th century (but this is covered by a carpet).
He was a son of Henry Cadogan of Meath in Ireland, barrister, and his wife Bridget daughter of Sir Hardress Waller. His grandfather was Major William Cadogan, governor of Trim. He served in the army of William III at the battle of the Boyne and served under the Duke of Marlborough in various campaigns. For his distinguished military services he was created Baron Cadogan of Reading in 1716 and in 1718 Baron Cadogan of Oakley in Buckinghamshire (with remainder to his brother Charles), Viscount Caversham and Earl Cadogan. He was also a Member of Parliament and was employed on diplomatic missions and was appointed Lieutenant of the Tower of London and Governor of the Isle of Wight. His wife was Margaretta, daughter of William Munter, counsellor of the Court of Holland and they had two daughters. Lady Sarah married Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond, and Lady Margaretta married Charles Bentinck. As he had served under James Butler, Duke of Ormond, he was buried in that family vault. He was succeeded as 2nd Baron Cadogan by his brother Charles but all his other titles became extinct. Francis Atterbury, Dean of Westminster, described him as a "big, bad, bold...and blundering booby"
Further reading
© National Portrait Gallery, London [Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0]
