Family and Education

b. 1 or 2 Apr. 1681, 6th s. of Sir Henry Gough, M.P., of Oldfallings and Perry Bar, Staffs. by Mary, da. of Sir Edward Littleton, 2nd Bt., M.P., of Pillaton, Staffs. m. 1719, Elizabeth, da. of Morgan Hynde of London, brewer and Dissenter, 1s. 1da.

Offices Held

Director, E.I. Co. 1730-3, 1736-51, chairman 1737, 1741, Mary, da. of 1743, 1746, 1747, dep. chairman 1736, 1740, 1742, 1745, 1750.

Biography

Gough began his career in the East India trade as the protégé of his uncle Sir Richard Gough, with whom he travelled to China when aged only 11, and was brought up to keep his accounts. From 1707 to 1715 he was in command of a merchantman, the Streatham, making a ‘decent competency’ in the service of the Company. From 1730 he was almost continuously a director of the East India Company. It was said that ‘if he would take the whole East India Company on him, he must answer for it; for nobody would assist him, though they would contradict him’. Returned for Bramber by his cousin Sir Henry Gough, he voted consistently with the Administration, prejudicing his health by his assiduous attendance at debates when afflicted by gout.1 He died 13 July 1751, leaving a son, Richard Gough, the antiquary.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Shirley Matthews

Notes

• 1. Shaw, Staffs, ii. 192.