Anthony Bridgerton (books)

*This page is about the book character. For the Netflix character, see Anthony Bridgerton.*

## Familial Information

### Children

* Edmund Bridgerton
* Miles Bridgerton
* Charlotte Bridgerton
* Mary Bridgerton

### Siblings

* Benedict Bridgerton
* Colin Bridgerton
* Daphne Basset
* Eloise Crane
* Francesca Stirling
* Gregory Bridgerton
* Hyacinth St. Clair

### Parents

* Violet Bridgerton
* Edmund Bridgerton †

### Grandparents

* Alexandra Bridgerton
* Lord Bridgerton

### Others

* Edwina Bagwell *(sister-in-law)*
* Mary Sheffield † *(mother-in-law)*
* Billie Bridgerton *(aunt)*
* Hugo Bridgerton † *(uncle)*
* Georgiana Bridgerton *(aunt)*

*For a complete family tree, see the Bridgerton family tree*

## Appearances

### First

*The Duke and I*

**Anthony Bridgerton** is eldest child of the Bridgerton family.

## History

### Early Life

Anthony is the firstborn child of Viscount Edmund Bridgerton and his wife, Violet. When he was eight, Edmund gifted him a pocket watch. When Anthony went off to Eton, Edmund personally dropped him off rather than let servants take Anthony there. From Eton, he eventually went off to Oxford for college. He was on break staying at Aubrey Hall when Edmund suddenly died from a bee sting. He subsequently inherited the title of viscount, and became the head of the family. While in college, he became friends with Simon Basset. After Anthony finished college and entered the ton, he became a well-known notorious rake.

### 1813

Anthony was supervising his sister, Daphne, who was in her second season. He reconnected with Simon, who had recently returned to England. When Daphne seemed to be courted by Simon, Anthony was not happy. However, Daphne and Simon told him that they were faking a courtship to help Daphne gain more suitors. Anthony agreed to let the ruse play, with certain conditions. He warned Simon that if he ever caught him compromising Daphne's honor, he would kill him. When Simon joined the Bridgertons for dinner, Anthony was not happy about Simon being placed next to Daphne, while he was at the other end of the table. Simon accompanied the family on a trip to Greenwich, where they both ended up falling in the water because of Anthony's brother, Gregory. The two almost started fighting, despite neither being at fault, until Daphne came and separated them. Daphne asks Anthony why Simon is opposed to marriage, and Anthony admits he doesn't know the reason why.

During the Trowbridge ball, Anthony found Daphne and Simon alone in the gardens. He immediately started beating up Simon, until Daphne fell into a nearby bush, and he had to help pull her out with Simon. Anthony demanded Simon marry her to preserve her honor. Simon refused, angering Anthony, who decided to settle the matter in a duel. Simon agreed, and Anthony brought Daphne home. He then took his brother, Benedict, to Hyde Park at dawn to meet Simon. Before they could duel, though, Daphne showed up with their brother, Colin, to talk to Simon. Anthony and Benedict got angry with Colin while Daphne talked to Simon. She finally told Anthony that there would be no duel, and she and Simon would marry. Anthony came by before the wedding, and warns Simon that if he hurts Daphne, he'll kill him; Simon says he'll let him because he wants to make Daphne happy.

When Daphne returned to London alone, Anthony was in the country with Benedict. He later returned, and barged into her house, to Daphne's annoyance. He told Daphne of his promise to kill Simon if he ever hurt her, making Daphne even more furious. He notices that Daphne's writing a letter to Simon, and says he'll deliver it. Daphne agrees, but only after he promises not to hurt Simon or read the letter. Anthony agrees, and heads to where Simon is staying, delivering the letter. He immediately threatens to kill Simon, but also tells him that Daphne is in London and the ton is gossiping about her being alone. He tells Simon that he knows the two of them love each other, and should work things out. He gives the letter, and returns to London.

Simon returns to London, and Anthony hears about it. He, Benedict, and Colin show up at Hastings House, to Simon and Daphne's dismay. Despite her telling them to leave, they refuse until they know that Simon loves Daphne. Simon pulls Daphne aside, and confesses his love, which Anthony and his brothers see. Just as they decide to leave, Violet shows up, furious, and drags all three of her sons out.

### 1814

When the season started, Anthony made the decision to finally marry, and chose to court the diamond: Edwina Sheffield. He had to win the approval of her older sister, Kate Sheffield. Kate made her dislike for Anthony clear, but Anthony saw this as a challenge, and was ready to meet it. When he called on Edwina, he ended up talking to Kate and met her stepmother, Mary, and her dog, Newton. Mary convinced Anthony to join Kate on a walk with Newton. Anthony agreed, and the two went out for a walk. Anthony was adjusting Kate's bonnet when they came in close proximity and became distracted, causing Newton to run away. In his excitement, Newton knocked Edwina into the Serpentine water. Anthony was furious at Kate, blaming her for Edwina's accident. Kate got revenge by having Newton purposely get Anthony wet.

Despite his anger, Anthony ended up dreaming of Kate that night. At a musicale hosted by his mother, Anthony decided to distract himself with Maria Rosso, the singer performing and his former lover. But while flirting with Maria in his study, he found Kate hiding under his desk. He quickly dismissed Maria and confronted Kate, who swore she was there by accident. Anthony felt even more drawn to Kate, and kissed her. She was outraged, and told him she'd never allow Anthony to marry Edwina. Anthony still didn't feel deterred when she left.

Anthony saw Kate and the Sheffield family again at the Bridgerton country house party at Aubrey Hall. He apologized to Kate for what he said to her, though she interpreted it as him apologizing for kissing her. The two then joined a spirited game of Pall Mall with Edwina, Simon, Daphne and Colin. Anthony purposely sent Kate's ball off course during the game, but she got even by sending his ball into the lake. They were left alone while cleaning up the course. He asked Kate if she still hated him while in close proximity of each other. She didn't respond, and Anthony felt he had his answer. Anthony saw Cressida Cowper bullying Penelope Featherington, and rescued her while Kate and Edwina watched.

That night, Anthony was about to go to bed when he found Kate in the library, terrified because of the thunderstorm outside. He stayed and comforted her, as they both bonded over family and loss they had experienced. Kate was able to finally calm down when the storm abated, and she and Anthony went to bed. The following morning, Anthony followed her to the gardens to check on her, and Kate told him that Anthony had her approval to marry Edwina. Before Anthony could respond, he saw a bee flying near Kate, and became gripped by terror. Kate brushed it off, even when the bee stung her. Anthony, panicked, tried to extract the venom and the two were caught in a compromising position by Violet, Mary, and Portia Featherington. While Portia insisted the two had to marry, Anthony threatened her by saying he wouldn't let Kate's reputation be hurt. But when Violet pointed out that Anthony and Kate could've been seen from the hall, Anthony finally decided to marry Kate. She was distressed at this, but Anthony pulled her aside and said he would honor his promise and marry her, before they kissed.

Before the wedding, Anthony gave Kate an engagement ring, and told her to not expect love in their marriage because he couldn't give it. He still desired her, and kissed Kate again, but held himself back to not compromise her further before their wedding. They married, and moved to Anthony's private lodgings right across from Bridgerton House in London. In their bedroom, Kate was apprehensive about their wedding night, but Anthony told her how much he wanted her, even more than Edwina, and she was the only woman he wanted to be with. Kate accepted this, and the two made love on their wedding night. They enjoyed a satisfying marriage, though Anthony purposely avoided Kate most days to avoid falling in love with her. A month later, he came home early, and found Kate talking to Edwina, who said she was interested in her own suitor named Mr. Bagwell. Anthony later told Kate he'd set aside a dowry for Edwina, and she was touched by his gesture, kissing him to show her gratitude.

That night, a thunderstorm raged, and Anthony was awake and watched Kate twist and turn in the grips of a nightmare, finally calling out for her mother. Anthony told her what he'd heard the next morning, and told her to talk to Mary. He came along for support while Kate asked Mary what happened to her birth mother. Mary told her how Kate's mother had died during a thunderstorm, and Kate had witnessed it, but she blocked out the memory. Anthony and Kate went home that night, where Anthony realized he'd fallen in love with her. He was upset, as he didn't want to, fearing he would die young like his father. He went over to Bridgerton House, where Kate found him the next morning. She tried to get him to come home, but Anthony yelled at her to leave, which she did. He ended up at White's the next day, where Benedict and Colin found him. After mocking his hangover, they told Anthony to go and apologize to Kate and say he loves her. Anthony realized that they're right, and decided to go find Kate.

Anthony follows Kate to Hyde Park, where he sees her get into a carriage accident along with Edwina, Newton, and Mr. Bagwell. While pulling Kate out, Anthony confesses to Kate he loves her. They come back home, where Anthony fusses over Kate while she's being treated for a broken leg. Afterwards, Anthony opens up to Kate, eventually coming to terms with wanting to have a love marriage with Kate.

### 1815

Anthony and Kate are expecting their first child. Violet decides to move out of Bridgerton House to let Anthony and Kate move in, and hosts one final masquerade ball, which Anthony and Kate both attend. They later have a son, Edmund.

### 1817

By the start of the season, Anthony and Kate became parents to a second son, Miles.

### 1823

Anthony turns 39, surpassing his father in longevity. He and Kate now also have a daughter, Charlotte. He finally overcomes his fear of dying young, and hopes to live more years happily with Kate and his family.

### 1830

Anthony and Kate welcome their fourth child and second daughter, Mary.

## Personality

One of the most notorious rakes in London, Anthony protects his family with as much fierceness as he commands respect as head of the Bridgerton family in the ton. But he struggles with unresolved trauma and fear left from the sudden death of his father, which has left him unable to trust and hesitant to welcome any emotion, especially love.

## Relationships

### Romantic

#### Kate Bridgerton

Anthony tried to impress Kate Sheffield in an attempt to get approval to marry her sister. Despite Kate rejecting him, Anthony found her spirit appealing and beautiful because of her own confidence. Anthony tried to win her approval, but it often became arguments that Anthony couldn't resist, making Kate even more desirable to him. Though he wished to have a wife that he wouldn't fall in love with, Anthony found it hard to not think about Kate at any moment. Their close proximity in many instances led to him dreaming and desiring her even more. When Kate finally approved of him marrying her sister, Anthony couldn't even feel relief at the thought, for he longed for Kate. When he was forced to marry Kate out of honor, Anthony got over his initial horror at being trapped into marriage, and realized it was the perfect solution to not ignoring his feelings for Kate. When Kate was doubtful of the match, Anthony realized she never felt as beautiful or desirable as her sister, and was furious at those who made her feel subpar. He assured her that he burns with desire for her, and that she is beautiful to him. Anthony recognized his feelings for Kate could become love, and was terrified of the prospect. Not willing to let it happen, he let Kate know about his intentions, promising to always be faithful and respectful to her, but unable to love her. Kate accepted this, and Anthony realized his desire for Kate didn't abate. He purposely tried to avoid her when necessary after they married, but he could never keep away for long, as he preferred to be near her than away. Anthony eventually realized he loved Kate, and became angry at himself for falling in love when he promised not to. Thanks to his brothers, Anthony realized that a long life without Kate would be miserable for him in comparison to a short life loving Kate. He came and confessed his love to her, and his own fear of dying young. She encouraged him to still enjoy life for however long it is, and Anthony agreed, saying he just wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. By the time he surpassed his father in age, Anthony was no longer afraid of dying thanks to Kate, and the two enjoyed a long, happy marriage.

### Familial

#### Edmund Bridgerton

Anthony grew up close to Edmund, who went hiking with him and taught him to shoot, swim, and ride horses. He admired his father with all his heart, and wished to be emulate him in every way possible. When Edmund died suddenly, Anthony was both shocked and devastated to lose his father in his prime. Believing he could be no better than his father, Anthony believed he would also die at 38, like his father did. He also became afraid of bees, as Edmund died of a bee sting. Taking over as head of the family, Anthony did his best to help his mother and siblings, but felt he would never be as good a man as Edmund. With his marriage to Kate and the birth of his own children, Anthony learned to respect the legacy of love his father left behind, and vowed to care for his family as well as his father did.

#### Violet Bridgerton

Anthony would do anything to protect his mother, but he also does not question her authority. He saw how shattered Violet was after Edmund's death, and did not wish to put anyone through that pain; he decided that when he got married, his marriage would not be based on love to prevent his wife from the same heartbreak when he died. Violet didn't give up, and hoped Anthony would one day find love like Violet and Edmund shared, and did everything possible to convince Anthony of that. Anthony didn't try to convince his mother otherwise, as he knew how determined she could be when she wanted something. That doesn't make Anthony love his mother any less.

#### Daphne Basset

As the eldest son and eldest daughter, Anthony and Daphne had often been grouped together as they grew up and transitioned from children to adulthood. They both came of age around the same time, and had to endure Violet constantly matchmaking for them. As the head of the family, Anthony had a responsibility to help Daphne get married, but he allowed her to reject proposals that she didn't find suitable out of loyalty to her. When she was courted by Simon, Anthony was furious at his friend for courting his sister. When Daphne told him how Simon's interest was boosting her own eligibility, Anthony finally allowed it, not wanting to hinder Daphne's prospects. He immediately demanded Simon marry her when he caught them together, despite knowing Simon wished to not marry. Anthony was determined to defend Daphne and his family's honor, demanding a duel. Though Daphne prevented it from happening by convincing Simon to marry her, Anthony still put his sister first, and told Simon to treat her right, or he would kill him. Anthony wanted to follow through on his promise after Daphne showed up hurt and alone, but Daphne threatened to never speak to him again if he did. Anthony reluctantly agreed, not wishing to lose his sister. Anthony still worked to help Simon and Daphne reconcile, as he knew how much Daphne loved her husband.

### Friendships

#### Simon Basset

Anthony and Simon went to school together, and played pranks on each other as young boys. As they grew up, they both matured and accepted they had both changed for the better and leave their rambunctious past behind. Anthony knew how opposed Simon was to marriage, and was angry when he courted Daphne. Though Simon and Daphne confessed it was a ruse, Anthony was hesitant to let it continue and often watched Simon with a close eye, because his loyalty to Daphne came first. When Simon refused to marry Daphne after Anthony caught them together, Anthony was furious, accusing Simon of having no honor or consideration for a woman. Daphne, though, convinced Simon to marry her, but Anthony put Simon on notice, saying that if he hurt Daphne, Anthony would kill him. Though he wished to after Daphne showed up alone, Anthony didn't, as Daphne told him not to. Despite that, Anthony convinced Simon to reunite with Daphne, as he knew they loved each other and he wanted both of them to be happy.

## Notes and Trivia

* Per the Author's note at the end of *The Viscount Who Loved Me*, Anthony lived until the age of 92.

## Appearances

 **#02** | "The Viscount Who Loved Me"
 **#03** | "An Offer from a Gentleman"