Francis Greville, 1st Earl of Warwick facts for kids

Francis Greville, Baron Brooke, later 1st Earl of Warwick (1719–1773) painted by Jean-Marc Nattier in 1741.

Francis Greville, the 1st Earl of Warwick, was an important British nobleman. He was born on October 10, 1719, and passed away on July 8, 1773. He held several titles during his life. From 1727 to 1746, people knew him as Lord Brooke. After 1746, he became Earl Brooke.

When he was just eight years old in 1727, Francis inherited the famous Warwick Castle. He also received the title of Baron Brooke from his father. He studied at Winchester College around 1731.

Becoming an Earl

Francis Greville gained more important titles as he grew older. On July 7, 1746, he was made Earl Brooke of Warwick Castle. This was a new, special title for him. In 1749, he became the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire. This meant he was the King's main representative in that area. He also received a special honor in 1743, becoming a Knight of the Thistle. This is a very old and respected order in Scotland.

In 1759, Francis wanted to bring back an even older title. He asked King George II to make him the Earl of Warwick. This happened after the last Earl of Warwick from another family, the Rich family, had died. The King agreed to his request. This meant that Warwick Castle was once again owned by an Earl of Warwick.

Improving Warwick Castle

Francis Greville loved his home, Warwick Castle, and made many changes to it. He was in charge of several big renovations. He built the State Dining Room, a grand place for meals. He also created private apartments within the castle.

He was interested in a style called Neo-Gothic. This style brought back old medieval designs. Even the famous writer Horace Walpole noticed his work. Francis hired Lancelot "Capability" Brown to redesign the castle's gardens. Brown was a very famous landscape designer. He also hired the artist Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto. Canaletto painted five beautiful pictures of the castle. Francis's son, George Greville, 2nd Earl of Warwick, continued to improve the castle. He bought many of the furnishings you can see there today.

Family Life

Elizabeth Hamilton, later Countess of Warwick (1720–1800), and her brother William, painted by William Hoare.

Francis Greville married Elizabeth Hamilton on May 15, 1742. Their wedding took place at Park Place in Remenham, Berkshire. Elizabeth was the daughter of Lord Archibald Hamilton and Lady Jane Hamilton. Francis and Elizabeth had eight children together:

• Lady Louisa Augusta Greville (born 1743), who married William Churchill in 1770.
• Lady Frances Elizabeth Greville (born May 11, 1744 – died April 6, 1825), who married Sir Henry Harpur, 6th Baronet in 1762.
• Lady Charlotte Mary Greville (born around 1745 – died May 31, 1763), who married John Stewart, 7th Earl of Galloway in 1762.
• George Greville, 2nd Earl of Warwick (born 1746 – died 1816), who inherited his father's titles.
• Lady Isabella Greville, who sadly died when she was young.
• Charles Francis Greville (born 1749 – died 1809).
• Robert Fulke Greville (born 1751 – died 1824), who married Louisa Murray (née Cathcart), Countess of Mansfield in 1796.
• Lady Anne Greville (born 1760 – died 1783).

See also

• Earl of Warwick
• List of owners of Warwick Castle