British ambassador to the Hague.
Ensign in the Foot Guards (1741); rose to the rank of general (1777). Secretary to the British embassy in Paris (1749-51). British minister (1751-61), then ambassador (1761-80) to the Hague. Member of Parliament for East Grinstead (1751-61), Dover (1761-74), and Grampound (1774-80). Privy councillor (1768).
Son of Philip, 1st Earl of Hardwicke. Married Christiana Charlotte Margaret, Baroness de Stöcken in 1783. Knighted (1761); ennobled as Baron Dover (1788).