Edward Bligh, 5th Earl of Darnley facts for kids
Edward Bligh, 5th Earl of Darnley (born February 25, 1795 – died February 12, 1835), also known as Lord Clifton before 1831, was an important British noble and politician. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which means he was recognized for his contributions to science.
Early Life and Education
Edward Bligh was the oldest son of John Bligh, 4th Earl of Darnley. His mother was Elizabeth Brownlow. Edward went to two famous schools: Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford. At Oxford, he earned his first degree in 1816 and a master's degree in 1819.
His Time in Politics
Edward Bligh started his political career in 1818. He was elected to the House of Commons, which is part of the British Parliament, representing the area of Canterbury. He held this position until 1830 as a member of the Whig Party.
In 1831, when his father passed away, Edward became the 5th Earl of Darnley. This meant he moved from the House of Commons to the House of Lords, which is the other part of Parliament. He also served as the Lord Lieutenant of County Meath in Ireland from 1831 to 1835. This role meant he was the King's representative in that county. In 1833, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society because of his interest in learning and science.
Family Life and Children
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In 1825, Edward Bligh married Emma Jane Parnell. Together, they had five children: three sons and two daughters.
- John Bligh, 6th Earl of Darnley (1827–1896): He became the next Earl after his father.
- Edward Vesey Bligh (1829–1908)
- Lady Elizabeth Caroline Bligh (1830–1914): She married Sir Reginald Cust and had children. She was also a historian and wrote books about her family's history.
- Lady Emma Bess Bligh (1832–1917): She married Arthur Purey-Cust and had children.
- Henry Bligh (1834–1905): He became a vicar, which is a type of church leader. He married twice and had children from both marriages.
Edward Bligh passed away in February 1835, at the age of 39. He died from lockjaw after an accident while cutting timber on his family's estate, Cobham Hall, in Kent. He was buried in Cobham. His oldest son, John, became the 6th Earl of Darnley.
His wife, Emma, lived until 1884.
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