Brownlow Cust, 1st Baron Brownlow facts for kids

A portrait of Brownlow Cust by Francis Cotes

Brownlow Cust, 1st Baron Brownlow (born December 3, 1744 – died December 25, 1807) was an important British politician. He lived at Belton House in Lincolnshire, England. From 1770 to 1776, he was known as Sir Brownlow Cust, 4th Baronet. He was a member of the Tory party, which was a political group in Britain. This meant he helped make laws in the country's government.

Who Was Brownlow Cust?

Brownlow Cust was the son of Sir John Cust, 3rd Baronet. His father was a very important person called the Speaker of the House of Commons. This job meant he was in charge of the main part of the British Parliament. Brownlow's mother was Etheldreda Payne.

His Life and Work

Brownlow Cust went to famous schools like Eton College and Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. These schools helped him prepare for a life in politics.

In 1766, he became a Member of Parliament for a place called Ilchester. He held this job until 1774. After that, he represented Grantham in Parliament until 1776.

In 1776, he was given a special title: Baron Brownlow. This made him a "peer," which is a high rank in British society. He was given this title because of the great work his father had done for the country. The name "Brownlow" came from his grandmother, Anne Brownlow, who was connected to John Brownlow, 1st Viscount Tyrconnel of Belton House.

Brownlow Cust was also interested in learning and history. In 1776, he became a member of the Society of Antiquaries of London. This group studies old things and history. In 1783, he joined the Royal Society, which is a very old and respected group for scientists.

Belton House

Belton House, near Grantham, Lincolnshire, inherited in 1779 by 1st Baron Brownlow

In 1779, Brownlow Cust inherited Belton House. This beautiful house near Grantham in Lincolnshire became his home. He received it through his grandmother, Anne Brownlow. She was the sister of John Brownlow, who had owned Belton House before.

Monument to Brownlow Cust, 1st Baron Brownlow, by Richard Westmacott, in St Peter and St Paul's Church, Belton

His Family

Brownlow Cust was married two times.

• His first wife was Jocosa Katherina Drury. They married in 1770. They had one daughter together. Sadly, Jocosa died just two years later, in 1772.

Frances, Baroness Brownlow and her eldest son John, painted by George Romney

• In 1775, he married his second wife, Frances Bankes. She was from Wimbledon in Surrey. Brownlow and Frances had five sons and one daughter:
  • John Cust (1779–1853) was their oldest son. He later became the 1st Earl Brownlow. He also served as a Member of Parliament.
  • Rev. Henry Cockayne Cust (1780–1861) became a Canon of Windsor, which is a religious role.
  • William Cust (1787–1845) also became a Member of Parliament.
  • Peregrine Cust (1791–1873) was another son who became a Member of Parliament.
  • Sir Edward Cust, 1st Baronet (1794–1878) was a soldier and politician. He was later given the title of a Baronet.
  • Anne Cust (1796–1867) was their daughter. She married Sir William Fowle Middleton, 2nd Baronet.

Family Symbol (Arms)

Arms of Brownlow Cust, 1st Baron Brownlow

Crest A Lion's Head erased Sable gorged with a Collar paly wavy of six Argent and Azure Escutcheon Ermine on a Chevron Sable three Fountains proper Supporters On either side a Lion reguardant Argent each gorged with a Collar paly wavy of six Argent and Azure Motto Esse Quam Videri (To be, rather than to seem)