John Ashburnham, 1st Earl of Ashburnham

John Ashburnham, 1st Earl of Ashburnham (13 March 1687 – 10 March 1737) was an English peer, soldier and politician.

Early life Ashburnham was the second son of John Ashburnham, 1st Baron Ashburnham, and his wife, Bridget Vaughan, daughter of Walter Vaughan of Porthamel House, Brecon, South Wales, who had inherited Pembrey. In January 1707, he became a Guidon and major in the 1st Horse Guards through the efforts of his father.

From 1713 to 1715, Ashburnham became Colonel of the 1st (His Majesty's Own) Troop of Horse Guards, and was deputy governor and deputy warden of the Cinque Ports from June 1713 to 1714. He was a Lord of the Bedchamber to Frederick, Prince of Wales from 1728 to 1731 and Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard from 1731 to 1733. On 14 May 1730, he was created Earl of Ashburnham and Viscount St Asaph. They had one child, John, styled Viscount St Asaph (1724–1812), later 2nd Earl of Ashburnham.

Ashburnham died on 10 March 1737, leaving huge debts, and was buried in the family vault at Ashburnham. He was succeeded as 2nd Earl by his only son, John.