Richard Jones, Earl of Ranelagh

Richard Jones, 1st Earl of Ranelagh, his first wife, son and two daughters are buried in St John the Baptist's chapel in Westminster Abbey. Modern stones record the names of most of them.

Richard was born on 8th February 1641, the only son of Arthur, 2nd Viscount Ranelagh and his wife Lady Catherine Boyle. He was created Earl of Ranelagh in 1674 and was a Member of Parliament and an original Fellow of the Royal Society. His other posts included Privy Councillor, Governor of Roscommon Castle, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Vice Treasurer of Ireland, Governor of the castle of Athlone and Paymaster of the English Forces. His first wife was Elizabeth daughter of Lord Willoughby of Parham who was buried on 3rd August 1695. His second wife was Lady Margaret Cecil, widow of Baron Stawell. His daughter Lady Catherine died unmarried aged 67 and was buried on 23rd April 1740. His daughter Elizabeth married John Fitzgerald, 18th Earl of Kildare and was buried on 22nd April 1758. Another daughter was Frances, Countess of Coningsby. His son Edward was born in 1675 and buried on 29th March 1678. Richard himself was buried on 10th January 1712.