Edward Ward, 7th Baron Dudley and 2nd Baron Ward (1631–1701) succeeded his father, Humble Ward as the 2nd Baron Ward in 1670 and his mother, Frances Ward as 7th Baron Dudley in 1697. He married Frances Brereton, the daughter of the Parliamentary General, Sir William Brereton. He died on 3 August 1701 and was buried at Himley.