Virginia planter, Indian negotiator, and official.

Member of House of Burgesses, then Governor’s Council (1751). Contributed to Philadelphia Academy and Pennsylvania Hospital (1756). Moved to London (1760), where he was Franklin’s neighbor. Commissioned the Mason Chamberlain portrait of Franklin (c. July-August 1762).

Son of Philip and Hannah (Harrison) Ludwell of Green Spring, Virginia. Educated at College of William and Mary. Married Frances Grymes (1737); three daughters, of whom Hannah Phillipa married the diplomat William Lee and Lucy married the British scholar John Paradise.