Edward Digby, 6th Baron Digby

Edward Digby, 6th Baron Digby (5 July 1730 – 30 November 1757) was a British peer and Member of Parliament.

Digby was the son of Hon. Edward Digby, son of William Digby, 5th Baron Digby. His mother was Charlotte Fox, daughter of Sir Stephen Fox and sister of Henry Fox, 1st Baron Holland. The clergyman the Hon. Rev. William Digby was his younger brother, the naval commander Admiral Sir Henry Digby was his nephew, and the politician Charles James Fox his first cousin. In 1751 Digby was elected to the House of Commons for Malmesbury. The following year he succeeded his grandfather as sixth Baron Digby but as this was an Irish peerage it did not entitle him to a seat in the British House of Lords and he was not forced to resign from the House of Commons. He continued to represent Malmesbury until 1754, and then sat for Wells from 1754 until his early death three years later.

Digby was known for acts of great benevolence. In particular, he was known to visit the Marshalsea Debtors' prison at least twice annually, at Christmas and Easter, and each time secure the release of a number of prisoners by paying off their debts. He would then take the newly freed individuals to George Inn in Borough for dinner.^[1]

Lord Digby died in November 1757, aged only 27. He never married and was succeeded in the barony by his younger brother Henry Digby, who was created Earl Digby in 1790.

Notes

1. The Penny Story-Teller, January 2, 1833.

References

• Kidd, Charles, Williamson, David (editors). Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage (1990 edition). New York: St Martin's Press, 1990,
• Leigh Rayment's Peerage Pages
• Lundy, Darryl. "FAQ". The Peerage. External link in |publisher= (help)