Edward Strutt, 1st Baron Belper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable The Lord Belper PC FRS
Arms of Baron Belper
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
In office 3 January 1853 – 21 June 1854
Monarch	Victoria
Prime Minister	The Earl of Aberdeen
Preceded by	Robert Adam Christopher
Succeeded by	The Earl Granville
Personal details
Born	26 October 1801 (1801-10-26) Derby, Derbyshire
Died	30 June 1880 (1880-07-01) (aged 78) Eaton Square, Belgravia, London
Nationality	British
Political party	Whig Party
Spouse	Amelia Otter ​ (m. 1837)​
Alma mater	Trinity College, Cambridge

Edward Strutt, 1st Baron Belper (born 26 October 1801 – died 30 June 1880) was an important British politician. He was a member of the Whig Party. From 1852 to 1854, he served as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster under Prime Minister Lord Aberdeen. He was also a member of the Privy Council and a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Early Life and Education

Edward Strutt was born in Derby, England, at a place called St Helen's House. He was the only son of William Strutt, who was an inventor. His grandfather was Jedediah Strutt, also a well-known inventor.

Edward went to Trinity College, Cambridge, a famous university. While he was there, he became the president of the Cambridge Union in 1821. This society is a place where students debate and discuss important topics. He earned his first degree in 1823 and a higher degree three years later.

Political Career and Public Service

Edward Strutt began his political journey in 1830. He became a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he was elected to represent people in the British House of Commons. He represented the town of Derby until 1848. Later, he also represented Arundel (1851-1852) and Nottingham (1852-1856).

He held several important government jobs:

• From 1846 to 1848, he was the Chief Commissioner of Railways. This role involved overseeing the country's railway system.
• From 1853 to 1854, he served as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. This is a senior government position.

In 1846, he became a member of the Privy Council. This is a group of important advisors to the King or Queen. In 1856, he was given a special title and became Baron Belper. This meant he became a Lord and could sit in the House of Lords.

Lord Belper also held other important roles in his home county:

• He was the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire in 1850. This was a ceremonial role for law and order.
• He was the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire from 1864 until his death in 1880. This is the King's or Queen's personal representative in a county.

In 1860, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a great honor for people who have made important contributions to science. From 1871 to 1879, he was the President of University College, London, a major university.

Family Life

Memorial window to Lord Belper in the chancel of St Mary's Church, Nottingham. His coat of arms can be seen in the left hand light of the second tier.

Lord Belper married Amelia Harriet Otter on 28 March 1837. Amelia was the daughter of William Otter, who was a Bishop. They had several children together. Their second son, Henry, later became the 2nd Baron Belper.

Their children included:

• Caroline Strutt
• Ellen Strutt
• Sophia Strutt
• William Strutt (who sadly died young in Germany)
• Henry Strutt, 2nd Baron Belper
• Arthur Strutt

Lord Belper built a large family home called Kingston Hall, Nottinghamshire and moved there in 1846.

He passed away in London in June 1880, at the age of 78. His son, Henry, took over his title as the 2nd Baron Belper. A beautiful stained glass window was put in St. Mary's Church, Nottingham to remember him. Lady Belper, his wife, died ten years later in 1890.