John St Leger Douglas

John St. Leger Douglas ( – 23 May 1783) was an 18th-century member of the House of Commons of Great Britain. He owned Springfield Place, near Chelmsford, Essex.

Early life and education Douglas was the eldest son of John St. Leger Douglas, a West Indian plantation owner, and his wife, Susannah, daughter of Michael Lambert, Deputy-Governor of St Kitts. He was a grandson of Col. Walter Douglas of Baads, Midlothian, Governor of the Leeward Islands. He was educated at Westminster School (1743), aged 10, and at Trinity College, Cambridge (1748). He succeeded his father in 1747.

Career He was Member of Parliament for Hindon from 1769, at a time when bribery was the norm in this constituency, until 1774, and Member of Parliament for Weobley 1774 – 23 May 1783, when he died.

He bought Springfield Place in Chelmsford and improved the grounds. He bred racehorses, including the undefeated thoroughbred Goldfinder.

Family Douglas was twice married, having children by both wives. His daughter Charlotte married her cousin Admiral John Leigh Douglas (1741–1810).

On his death in 1783 he left his estates in St Kitts in trust for his son William Douglas and his other properties and personal estate on trust to his brother Lieutenant-colonel James Douglas to provide cash amounts for his other children on their majority.