WARD, Baron of Birmingham—Seats, Himley Hall, Dudley Castle, and Sedgley Park; created, 1644. John Ward, Esq., of Sedgley Park, became sixth Baron on the death, without issue, of his kinsman William, fifth Baron. He was created Viscount Dudley and Ward, April, 1763; but his son dying without issue, that title devolved on his half brother William, third Viscount, born January, 1750, who died 25 April, 1823. He was Recorder of Kidderminster, and represented the city of Worcester in the Parliaments of 1780 and 1784. His contributions in furtherance of benevolent objects were truly munificent, and the public charities of Worcester always largely participated in his largess. He was succeeded by his son, John William, fourth Viscount, who was created Earl Dudley of Dudley Castle in 1827; but as he died unmarried in 1833, this title and the Viscounty became extinct. The Earl was a man of powerful talents, but withal most eccentric in his manners; and during the last few years of his life was obliged to withdraw altogether from society. He was Secretary for Foreign Affairs under Mr. Canning, Lord Goderich, and during a part of the Wellington administration; and his speeches at this time always commanded great attention, and were admired for their classical eloquence and style. He wrote a somewhat celebrated article in the _Quarterly Review_ on the _Life and Character of Horne Tooke_, with others on Sydney Smith’s sermons, &c. The barony of Ward fell to his second cousin William Humble, in holy orders, who died December, 1835, and was succeeded by his son WILLIAM, the present peer. His lordship married, 24 April, 1851, Selina Constance, eldest daughter of Robert de Burgh, Esq., of West Drayton, who died without issue 14 November, 1851. His lordship is patron of thirteen livings, and has very extensive property in the county of Worcester; the whole of the Foley estates passing into his hands by purchase in the year 1838: the purchase money was said to be £890,000.