Edward Cust facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Edward Cust
KCH
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Sir Edward Cust, 1840s portrait
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| Born | 17 March 1794 |
| Died | 14 January 1878 |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | |
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| Spouse(s) | Mary Anne Boode |
| Children | 6 |
Sir Edward Cust (born March 17, 1794 – died January 14, 1878) was an important British figure. He was a soldier, a politician, and a courtier. A courtier is someone who serves in the royal court. He was also known as the 1st Baronet, which is a special title of honor.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Edward Cust was born in London in 1794. He was the sixth son in his family. His father was Brownlow Cust, 1st Baron Brownlow. Edward had several older brothers.
He went to two famous schools. These were Eton College and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. In 1810, he joined the army. He started as a cadet in the 16th Regiment of Light Dragoons. By 1816, he was a Captain in the 5th Regiment of Dragoon Guards. Later, in 1821, he became a Major in the 55th Regiment of Foot.
A Career in Parliament
From 1818, Edward Cust became a Member of Parliament (MP). This meant he helped make laws for the country. He represented the area of Grantham until 1826. Then he represented Lostwithiel from 1826 to 1832.
As an MP, he cared about public building projects. He was especially concerned about work on Buckingham Palace. In 1831, he was made a knight by King William IV. He also received the KCH honor for his military service. In 1834, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group that promotes science.
Designing the New Houses of Parliament
A big fire destroyed the old Houses of Parliament in 1834. Edward Cust had an idea for the new buildings. He suggested that architects should compete to design them. This meant the best design would be chosen.
He convinced the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel, to hold a competition. This stopped a specific architect, Robert Smirke, from being chosen automatically. The competition was held, and the designs had to be in an Elizabethan or Gothic style.
In 1835, Cust was part of a group. This group looked at all the designs. They chose the design by Charles Barry. Cust already knew Barry from a club they both belonged to.
Serving the Royal Family
In 1816, Edward Cust became an equerry to Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg. An equerry is an officer who attends to a member of the royal family. Prince Leopold later became the first King of the Belgians in 1831. Cust went to Belgium with him. In 1855, King Leopold gave Cust a high honor. It was called the grand’officer in his Order of Leopold.
In 1845, Queen Victoria gave Cust another important job. He became the Assistant Master of the Ceremonies. This role involves organizing royal events. He was promoted to Master of the Ceremonies in 1847.
Connection to New Zealand
Edward Cust was involved with the Canterbury Association in 1848. This group helped set up settlements in New Zealand. He was a member for a short time.
In 1849, a river in Canterbury, New Zealand, was named after him. It was called the Cust River. Later, a town was also named after the river. This town is called Cust.
Later Life and Family
In 1859, Cust was given a special lifetime role. He became the colonel of the 16th (The Queen's) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (Lancers). In 1876, he was given the title of baronet.
Edward Cust married Mary Anne Boode in 1821. Mary Anne inherited land and property from her family. Her family had connections to the West Indies. Mary Anne also served the royal family. She was a lady of the bedchamber to Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld.
Edward and Mary Anne had six children. They had one son and five daughters. Their son, Sir Leopold Cust, 2nd Baronet, later inherited his father's title.
Images for kids
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Mary Anne Cust, 1836 engraving
