James Brydges Brown Plaque

Barnet

Inscription

Canons' gate pillars Entrance gate piers to 'Canons' from Old Turnpike Road Built in 1712 for James Brydges 1673-1744, 1st Duke of Chandos. House demolished 1740 and existing buildings constructed from salvaged materials. Piers refurbished 1998.

About This Blue Plaque

James Brydges, the 1st Duke of Chandos, was a prominent figure in 18th century England. Born in 1673, he inherited his father’s title of 8th Baron Chandos in 1714 and was later elevated to Duke of Chandos in 1719 by King George I.

Brydges is best known for his grand estate, Canons, located in what is now Edgware, London. He commissioned the construction of a magnificent Baroque mansion on the property in 1712, which was unfortunately demolished in 1747, just a few years after his death in 1744. The estate’s entrance gate piers, built in 1712, still stand today as a testament to the grandeur of Canons.

In addition to his lavish lifestyle, Brydges was a patron of the arts. He employed the famous composer George Frideric Handel as his resident musician from 1717 to 1718. Handel composed his renowned piece, “Acis and Galatea,” while living at Canons. The Duke’s patronage played a significant role in Handel’s early career in England.

Today, the remaining structures from Canons, including the gate piers, can be found in the Borough of Barnet, a historic area in north London. The borough is home to several notable landmarks, such as the RAF Museum and the 13th-century St Mary’s Church in East Barnet.

The legacy of James Brydges and his grand estate lives on through these architectural remnants, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of 18th-century English aristocracy. Visitors to the area can imagine the splendor of Canons and the cultural impact of its famous patron, the 1st Duke of Chandos.