DASHWOOD, James (?1758-1840), of Parkhurst, Surr. and Forest Lodge, Warfield, Berks.

Dashwood’s sister Rachel was the wife of Mark Wood I. In 1802, together with his brother-in-law, he unsuccessfully contested Shaftesbury, where Wood had purchased the predominant interest. After this unexpected setback, Wood returned him for his proprietary borough of Gatton, but after a few months he vacated the seat so that Wood could bring in Philip Dundas at the request of administration. He made no mark in Parliament, presumably giving a silent support to administration; nor did he seek re-election. He died 21 Nov. 1840, aged 82.1PCC 1841, f. 21; Add. 38368, f. 206; HMC Fortescue, viii. 402; Gent. Mag. (1841), i. 106.