Sidney Godolphin (colonel)

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Colonel Sidney Godolphin (1652–1732) came from an ancient Cornish family. The Godolphin family had held a long lease of Scilly since the late 16th century. Godolphin was Governor of The Isles of Scilly and Auditor of Wales. He served in Parliament for nearly 50 years, where he was 'Father of the House'.

The Assessment Book of Thames Ditton showing assessments for the relief of the poor gives the Colonel's address as 'Ditton Street' — but it was probably Forde's Farm:

"He spent his time in arms till his state of health, requiring ease and quiet, made him quit a military life, but not the service of his Country, which he represented in Parliament near fifty years, and died Father of the House. It was his felicity to be valued and countenanced by his Sovereign, esteemed and loved by his friends and relations..."

Godolphin died at the age of 81 in 1732. He has a portrait-bust on his memorial, erected by his youngest daughter Ellen, in The Lady Chapel of St Nicholas Church.

[edit] References

Philip J Burchett (1984). A Historical Sketch of THAMES DITTON. Surrey: Thames Ditton and Weston Green Residents' Association. ISBN 0-904811-20-4.
TS Mercer (1970). More THAMES DITTON Tales and Scandals. Surrey: Ditton's Historical Research Society. ISBN 0-9501256-0-1.