George FitzRoy, 4th Duke of Grafton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Grafton
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| Member of Parliament for Cambridge University |
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| In office 1784–1811 |
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| Preceded by | Sir James Mansfield |
| Succeeded by | The Viscount Palmerston |
| Member of Parliament for Thetford |
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| In office 1782–1784 |
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| Preceded by | Charles FitzRoy-Scudamore |
| Succeeded by | George Jennings |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
George Henry FitzRoy
14 January 1760 London, England |
| Died | 28 September 1844 (aged 84) Euston, Suffolk, England |
| Spouse |
Lady Charlotte Waldegrave
(m. 1784) |
| Children |
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| Parents | Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton The Hon. Anne Liddell |
George Henry FitzRoy, the 4th Duke of Grafton, was an important British politician. He was born on January 14, 1760, and lived until September 28, 1844. Before he became a Duke, people knew him as the Earl of Euston. He was a member of the Whig party, which was a major political group in Britain. He served in the House of Commons from 1782 until 1811.
Early Life and Education
George Henry FitzRoy was the son of Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton. His mother was Anne Lidell. He attended two famous schools: Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, he became a close friend of William Pitt the Younger. Pitt later became a very important Prime Minister.
On November 16, 1784, George Henry FitzRoy married Lady Charlotte Maria Waldegrave. She was the daughter of James Waldegrave, 2nd Earl Waldegrave. Their wedding took place in Navestock, Essex.
Political Career and Public Service
George Henry FitzRoy began his political career in 1782. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Thetford. He held this position until 1784.
In 1784, he and his friend William Pitt were both elected as MPs for Cambridge University. FitzRoy kept this seat until 1811. That year, he inherited his father's title and became the Duke of Grafton.
As an MP, FitzRoy used his influence to support friendly relations between Britain and the newly formed United States. He believed in building strong ties with the young country. In 1803, he was appointed a deputy lieutenant of Northamptonshire. This was a local government role. In 1834, he received a special honor. He was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter, which is a very old and respected order of chivalry in Britain.
Family Life
George Henry FitzRoy, the 4th Duke of Grafton, passed away on September 28, 1844. His son, Henry, then became the 5th Duke. George and his wife, Charlotte, had eleven children together.
- Lady Maria (Mary) Anne (1785–1855)
- Lady Georgiana (1787–1855)
- Lady Elizabeth Anne (1788–1867)
- Henry, later 5th Duke of Grafton (1790–1863)
- Lord Charles FitzRoy (1791–1865)
- Lady Isabella Frances (1792–1875)
- Lord William FitzRoy (1794–1804)
- Lord Hugh George FitzRoy (1795–1797)
- Lord Richard FitzRoy (1798–1798)
- Lord Richard FitzRoy (1800–1801)
- Lord James FitzRoy (1804–1834)
