George Byng, 2nd Earl of Strafford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Strafford
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| Comptroller of the Household | |
| In office 6 May 1835 – 23 June 1841 |
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| Monarch | William IV Victoria |
| Prime Minister | The Viscount Melbourne |
| Preceded by | Hon. Henry Lowry-Corry |
| Succeeded by | Lord Marcus Hill |
| Treasurer of the Household | |
| In office 23 June 1841 – 30 August 1841 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Prime Minister | The Viscount Melbourne |
| Preceded by | Earl of Surrey |
| Succeeded by | Earl Jermyn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 June 1806 |
| Died | 29 October 1886 (aged 80) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouses | (1) Lady Agnes Paget (c. 1809–1845) (2) Hon. Harriett Cavendish (d. 1892) |
| Alma mater | Royal Military Academy Sandhurst |
George Stevens Byng, 2nd Earl of Strafford (born June 8, 1806 – died October 29, 1886) was an important British politician. He was also known as Viscount Enfield for many years. He came from a noble family and was a member of the Whig political group.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
George Stevens Byng was born in 1806. He was the oldest son of John Byng, 1st Earl of Strafford, who was a Field Marshal in the army. His mother was Mary Mackenzie. The family lived at Wrotham Park in what was then Middlesex (now part of Hertfordshire).
Military Career
George Byng started his military career in 1822. He joined the 29th Regiment of Foot after studying at the Royal Military College. He became a captain in 1826. Later, he was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the Royal West Middlesex Militia, a part-time army group. He eventually became the leader of this regiment in 1844. His own son, George Byng, 3rd Earl of Strafford, also served as a Lieutenant-Colonel under him.
Political Life and Public Service
George Byng began his political journey in 1830. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Milborne Port. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the British Parliament.
He held several important government jobs:
- He was the Comptroller of the Household for the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. This role involved managing the household of the King's representative in Ireland.
- He served as a Lord of the Treasury in 1834. This meant he helped manage the country's money.
- From 1835 to 1841, he was again the Comptroller of the Household, this time for the King and Queen.
- He also served as Treasurer of the Household in 1841, another role in managing the royal household's finances.
In 1835, he became a member of the Privy Council. This is a group of important advisors to the King or Queen.
He continued to be an MP for different areas, including Chatham and Poole. In 1846, he was appointed Secretary to the Board of Control, which dealt with affairs in British India.
In 1853, he was called to the House of Lords, which is the upper house of the British Parliament. He inherited his father's title, Earl of Strafford, in 1860.
Marriages and Children
George Byng was married two times.
His first marriage was in 1829 to Lady Agnes Paget. They had six children together:
- George Byng, 3rd Earl of Strafford (1830–1898), who became the next Earl.
- Henry Byng, 4th Earl of Strafford (1831–1899), who later became the Earl.
- Lady Agnes Mary Georgiana Byng (1833–1878).
- Francis Edmund Cecil Byng, 5th Earl of Strafford (1835–1918), who also became the Earl.
- Lady Mary Caroline Charlotte Byng (1838–1933).
- Lady Victoria Alexandrina Anna Maria Byng (1842–1899).
After Lady Agnes passed away in 1845, he married Hon. Harriett Cavendish in 1848. They had seven more children:
- Hon. Charles Cavendish George Byng (1849–1918).
- Hon. Alfred John George Byng (1851–1887).
- Lady Susan Catherine Harriet Byng (1854–1936).
- Lady Elizabeth Henrietta Alice Byng (1855–1920).
- Hon. Lionel Francis George Byng (1858–1915).
- Lady Margaret Florence Lucy Byng (1860–1945).
- Julian Hedworth George Byng, 1st Viscount Byng of Vimy (1862–1935), who became a famous general.
Later Life and Legacy
Lord Strafford passed away in October 1886 at the age of 80. His oldest son, George, inherited his titles. His second wife, the Countess of Strafford, died in 1892.
