ASHBURNHAM, William (1739-1823), of Broomham, nr. Hastings, Suss.

Ashburnham, a distant cousin of Newcastle, was returned for Hastings on the Treasury interest. In Parliament he followed Newcastle, voted with the Opposition against Bute and Grenville, and was counted by Newcastle, 10 May 1764, as a ‘sure friend’. Ashburnham was dependent on an allowance from his father, and on 24 Feb. 1765 wrote to an unnamed correspondent about his ‘present very great want’. He was ‘quite out of money’, and concluded: ‘If, therefore, Sir, you would be so kind to lend me ten pounds till Lady Day, I hope I shall then be able to return it to you again.’Add. 33068, f. 348. In June 1765 he was considered for a post at the Ordnance,Fortescue, i. 127. but finally was appointed deputy keeper of the great wardrobe. Henceforth he supported successive Administrations till he left Parliament. There is no record of his having spoken in the House.

He died 21 Aug. 1823.