Ford Grey, 1st Earl of Tankerville facts for kids
Ford Grey, who was known as the 1st Earl of Tankerville, was an important English nobleman and politician. He lived from 1655 to 1701.
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Tankerville
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Lord Privy Seal | |
| In office 1700–1701 |
|
| Preceded by | The Viscount Lonsdale |
| Succeeded by | The Marquess of Normanby |
| First Lord of the Treasury | |
| In office 1699–1700 |
|
| Preceded by | Charles Montagu |
| Succeeded by | Sidney Godolphin |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ford Grey
20 July 1655 Harting, West Sussex |
| Died | 24 June 1701 (aged 45) |
| Spouse | Lady Mary Berkeley |
| Relations | Ralph Grey, 4th Baron Grey of Warke (brother) Henry Grey (nephew) |
| Children | Lady Mary Bennet Lady Annabella Cecil |
| Parents | Ralph Grey, 2nd Baron Grey of Werke Catherine Ford |
| Residence | Chillingham Castle |
Contents
Early Life of Ford Grey
Ford Grey was born on July 20, 1655, in Harting, West Sussex. His parents were Ralph Grey, 2nd Baron Grey of Werke, and Catherine Ford. When his father passed away in 1675, Ford inherited their family home, Chillingham Castle, located in Northumberland.
Ford had a younger brother named Ralph. Ralph was an army officer and later became the Governor of Barbados. His sister, Catherine, married Richard Neville, who was also a politician.
Ford Grey's Political Career
In 1683, Ford Grey faced some difficulties and had to leave England. He managed to escape from the Tower of London and went to France.
Later, he was involved in a major uprising known as the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685. He was in charge of the cavalry during this time. After the rebellion, he was captured. However, he received a pardon and was able to get his titles back in 1686.
During the time of King William III, Ford Grey became a Privy Councillor on May 11, 1695. Shortly after, on June 11, 1695, he was given the titles of Viscount Glendale and Earl of Tankerville.
From 1695 until he died, he was a Commissioner for Greenwich Hospital. He also served as the First Lord of the Treasury from November 1699 to November 1700. When the King was away from June to October 1700, Ford Grey acted as a Lord Justice for the country. Finally, from November 1700 until his death, he held the important position of Lord Privy Seal.
Ford Grey's Family Life
Ford Grey married Lady Mary Berkeley. She was the daughter of George Berkeley, 1st Earl of Berkeley, and Elizabeth Massingberd. Ford and Mary had at least two daughters:
- Lady Mary Grey, born around 1678. She married Charles Bennet, who later became the 1st Earl of Tankerville.
- Lady Annabella Grey, who passed away in 1698. She married John Cecil, 6th Earl of Exeter, in 1697 but did not have any children.
Ford Grey passed away on June 24, 1701. After his death, Lady Mary married Richard Rooth.
Images for kids
-
A portrait of Ford Grey, 1st Earl of Tankerville.
