BERNARD, SIR FRANCIS, BART., eldest son of Rev. Francis Bernard BD, Rector of Brightwell, Berks., and Margaret, dau. of Richard Winlowe, Lewknor, Oxfordshire; b. 12 Jul 1712 (IGI); in school list 1721; KS (aged 12) 1725; elected to Ch. Ch. Oxford 1729, matr. 12 Jun 1729, Westminster Student 23 Dec 1729 - 19 Jan 1742 (void, by marriage); BA 1733; MA 1736; DCL 2 Jul 1772; adm. Middle Temple 22 Oct 1733, called to bar 29 Apr 1737, Bencher 26 Jan 1770; Midland Circuit; Recorder of Boston, Lincs., 1757; Governor of New Jersey 27 Jan 1758- Nov 1759; Governor of Massachusetts Bay 27 Nov 1759; his administration of British ministerial policy and his want of political tact appear to have hastened the American War of Independence; created baronet 5 Apr 1769; recalled to England 1769, remaining nominally Governor until 1771; inherited Nether Winchendon estate, Bucks., 1771; a Commissioner of Excise (I) 22 Jan 1773- Dec 1774; a Commissioner of Customs (I) 25 Dec 1773 - Dec 1774; edited the Latin odes of his stepfather Anthony Alsop (qv) in 1752; author of several pamphlets; m. 1741 Amelia, dau. of Stephen Offley, Norton Hall, Derbs.; d. 16 Jun 1779. DNB.