Porters English Restaurant began operations in 1979, marking the start of a decade-long engagement with the hospitality sector for Richard Thomas Orlando Bridgeman, the 7th Earl of Bradford. This entrepreneur, who also served as a member of the House of Lords from 1981 until 1999, managed multiple culinary venues before transitioning his business focus to Hertfordshire.
Education and Succession
Born on 3 October 1947, Richard Bridgeman attended St Ronan's School in Hawkhurst and Harrow School. He continued his studies at Trinity College, Cambridge, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969 followed by a Master of Arts in 1973. From 1957 until 1981, he held the style of Viscount Newport. Upon the death of his father, the 6th Earl, he succeeded to the earldom in 1981.
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The establishment of Porters English Restaurant served as the primary pillar of his business activity. He expanded operations by opening the Grill in the same vicinity. In 2015, these operations relocated to Berkhamsted, where a new iteration of the restaurant opened. This final venue ceased trading on 30 September 2018. Beyond restaurant ownership, he authored several books, including My Private Parts and The Stuffed Parrot in 1984, The Eccentric Cookbook in 1985, and various culinary titles co-written with Carol Wilson.
Heritage and Political Activity
Serving as chairman of Weston Park Enterprises from 1986 to 1999, he facilitated the transfer of Weston Park and 1,000 acres to the nation. This arrangement, supported by the National Heritage Memorial Fund, established the Weston Park Foundation. His political engagement included representing the UK Independence Party. In the 2001 general election, he stood in the constituency of Stafford, receiving 2,315 votes. He subsequently contested the 2004 European Parliament election and a 2012 by-election for Westminster City Council.
Advocacy and Public Life
Beyond his business and legislative career, he maintains a public stance against the trade of false titles of nobility, managing an informational website on the subject. He has reported experiencing online smear campaigns involving fraudulent reviews, which he attributes to retaliation for his activism. He has been married twice, first to Joanne Elizabeth Miller in 1979, with whom he has four children, and subsequently to Dr. Penelope Ann Law in 2008.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 October 1947
- Education: Trinity College, Cambridge
- Peerage: 7th Earl of Bradford
- House of Lords Service: 1981-1999
- Political Party: UK Independence Party
- First Marriage: 15 September 1979
- Second Marriage: 30 August 2008
Questions readers ask
What happened to the Weston Park estate?
In 1986, the estate and 1,000 acres were gifted to the nation and placed under the management of the Weston Park Foundation.
Did Lord Bradford hold elective office?
While he served in the House of Lords, his attempts to gain a seat in the House of Commons and the European Parliament as a UKIP candidate were unsuccessful.
Achievements
- Educated at St Ronan's School and Harrow School