RICHARD

See also:

• RICHARD RIGBY (1722–1788)

RIGBY (1722–1788)  , English politician, was the only son of Richard Rigby (d . 1730) of Mistley Hall, Essex, a merchant who made a fortune through his connexion with the South Sea Company . Young Rigby became an associate of Frederick, prince of Wales, and entered parliament in 1745 . He is chiefly known to fame through his connexion with John Russell, 4th duke of Bedford, and the " Bloomsbury gang," his audacity earning for him the title of the " brazen boatswain" of the " crew." In 1758 he became secretary to Bedford, who was lord lieutenant of Ireland, and in the following year he was given the sinecure office of master of the rolls for Ireland . Following the political fortunes of the duke he became vice-treasurer of Ireland in 1765, and in 1768 he obtained the lucrative position of paymaster-general of the forces . Rigby often spoke in parliament, and in 1769 he shared in the opposition to Wilkes . In 1784 he was obliged to resign his position as paymaster-general, and he was somewhat surprised and embarrassed when he was requested to pay over the large sum of public money which was in his possession . He left a great fortune when he died at Bath on the 8th of April 1788 .