Edward Bligh, 7th Earl of Darnley facts for kids

Edward Henry Stuart Bligh, 7th Earl of Darnley (born August 21, 1851 – died October 31, 1900) was an English nobleman and landowner. He was known as Lord Clifton until 1896. He lived at Cobham Hall in Cobham, Kent, which was the family home of the Earls of Darnley. Edward Bligh was also a keen ornithologist, meaning he studied birds. He also played cricket for Kent.

Edward Bligh's Life

Edward Bligh went to Christ Church, Oxford university in 1870. In 1896, he became the Earl of Darnley after his father passed away. He managed his family's money in a way that reduced their wealth.

On January 26, 1899, he married Jemima Adeline Beatrice Blackwood. They had one daughter, Elizabeth Bligh, who later became the 17th Baroness Clifton (1900–1937).

When Edward Bligh died on October 31, 1900, his brother Ivo became the next Earl of Darnley. His young daughter, Elizabeth, became the Baroness Clifton.

His Love for Birds

Edward Henry Stuart, Lord Clifton, was elected a member of the British Ornithologists' Union in 1876. He was very interested in birds. For many years, he wrote short articles for a magazine called The Zoologist. He started writing for it in 1866. His very first article was about seeing an ortolan bunting bird on April 10, 1866, at Cobham.

Cricket Career

Edward Bligh was also a talented cricket player. He played first-class cricket during the 1870s. He played for the Kent team. He also played for other amateur teams.