John West, 2nd Earl De La Warr

Who was John West, 2nd Earl De La Warr?

John West, 2nd Earl De La Warr was a British peer, politician and army officer.

Born The Honourable John West, he was the son of John West, 6th Baron De La Warr and his first wife, the former Lady Charlotte McCarthy. In 1746, West entered the army as an ensign in the 3rd Infantry Guards, rising to the ranks of colonel in 1758, major-general in 1761 and lieutenant-general in 1770.

On 8 August 1756, West married Mary Wynyard and they had a daughter, Georgiana, and three sons, William, John and Frederick. In 1761, West's father was created Earl De La Warr and Viscount Cantelupe, enabling West to use the latter as a courtesy title.

From 1761 to 1766, Cantelupe was Vice to Chamberlain to Queen Charlotte. Inheriting his father's titles in 1766, he was then the Queen's Master of the Horse from 1766 to 1768 and her Lord Chamberlain from 1768 to 1777.

Lord De La Warr died in Audley Square, London on 22 November 1777 and was buried in St. Margaret's, Westminster on 30 November that year. His titles passed to his eldest son, William.