James Kendall (politician)

James Kendall (17 June 1647 – 10 July 1708) was a soldier, politician and Governor of Barbados.

His family was Cornish, being related to the Kendalls of Pelyn, near Lostwithiel, who for many generations past had been active in the politics of Cornwall and England. It has been remarked of this family, that they have perhaps sent more members to the British Senate than any other in the United Kingdom.

He served in the Coldstream Guards until 1685 and became a Member of Parliament in 1685 for West Looe until 1690. He regained his seat in 1695, holding it until 1702. He served as Governor of Barbados (appointed July 1689 and serving between 1690 and 1694) and was a Commissioner for the office of Lord High Admiral. When he died the contemporary annalist recorded of him that he was very "rich". The bulk of his property in Barbados, called Kendall Plantation, with all the slaves, was bequeathed to Mrs Walker Colleton, eldest daughter of Colonel Thomas Colleton, late of Barbados.

His body lies in Westminster Abbey in the south choir aisle and his niece Mary Kendall is also buried in the Abbey, in the chapel of St John the Baptist.