Francis Gray, 14th Lord Gray facts for kids

Sir Francis Gray, 14th Lord Gray (born September 1, 1765 – died August 20, 1842) was an important Scottish nobleman, politician, and soldier. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Sir Francis Gray's Life Story

Sir Francis Gray was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on September 1, 1765. He was the youngest of twelve children. His parents were John Gray, 11th Lord Gray and Margaret Blair. The family had a home in Edinburgh and a family castle called Fowlis Castle in northern Scotland.

Early Military Career

Sir Francis served as a soldier in a local army group called the Breadalbane Fencibles. By 1793, he had become a Major, which is an important rank in the army.

Becoming Lord Gray

In 1807, his older brother passed away. This meant Sir Francis became the 14th Lord Gray, taking on the family title. From 1807 to 1810, he worked as the Deputy Postmaster General in Scotland. This job involved managing the mail service for the country.

Time in Parliament

Sir Francis was a member of the House of Lords from 1812 to 1841. The House of Lords is part of the United Kingdom's Parliament, where important laws are discussed and made.

Joining Important Societies

In 1812, he was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a famous group that supports science and learning. He even served as the Vice President of this society from 1815 to 1823. In 1816, he also became a member of the even older and more famous Royal Society of London. From 1819 to 1823, he was the president of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. This group studies old objects and history.

Building and Commissions

Sir Francis was involved in building projects. In 1822, he asked a famous architect named Robert Smirke to build Kinfauns Castle. This was a large and grand home. In 1825, he also hired William Trotter to create beautiful furniture for the castle. The castle was ready for his family to live in by 1826. Later, in 1839, he also commissioned Binnhill Tower, another interesting building.

Sir Francis Gray passed away on August 20, 1842. He was buried in his family's special burial place at Fowlis.

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  Fowlis Castle

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  Kinfauns Castle

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  Binnhill Tower

Sir Francis Gray's Family Life

In 1794, Sir Francis Gray married Mary Ann Johnston. They had three daughters and one son. Their son, John Gray, 15th Lord Gray, later inherited the family title after his father. One of their daughters, Jane Anne, married a soldier named Charles Philip de Ainslie.