George Lyttelton, 4th Baron Lyttelton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Lyttelton
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Lord Lyttelton by Carlo Pellegrini, 1871
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 31 March 1817 |
| Died | 19 April 1876 (aged 59) London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouses |
Mary Glynne
(m. 1839; Sybella Harriet Clive
(m. 1869) |
| Children | 15 (12 with Glynne, incl. Charles; 3 with Clive) |
| Parents | William Lyttelton, 3rd Baron Lyttelton Lady Sarah Spencer |
George William Lyttelton, 4th Baron Lyttelton (born March 31, 1817, died April 19, 1876) was an important English nobleman and politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. He is best known for leading the Canterbury Association. This group helped many British settlers move to New Zealand.
Early Life and Education
George Lyttelton was the oldest son of William Henry Lyttelton and Lady Sarah Spencer. He went to Eton, a famous school, and then to Trinity College at Cambridge.
In 1837, when he was 20, he became the 4th Baron Lyttelton after his father passed away. A year later, on his 21st birthday, he took his place in the House of Lords. This is the upper house of the British Parliament. The family home was Hagley Hall in Worcestershire, England.
Political and Public Life
In 1846, Lyttelton became the Under-Secretary of State for War and the Colonies. This was an important role in the government of Sir Robert Peel. He helped manage affairs for Britain's colonies around the world. He held this job for about six months.
Lyttelton was also the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire from 1839 until his death. This meant he was the King's or Queen's personal representative in that county. He was also the first president of the Birmingham and Midland Institute in 1854.
He strongly supported the settlement of Canterbury, New Zealand. He encouraged Anglican colonists to move there starting in 1850. The port town of Lyttelton in New Zealand is named after him. He was also the president of the British Chess Association for a time. In 1869, he was given a special honour, becoming a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG).
Family Life
Lord Lyttelton married Mary Glynne in 1839. She was the sister-in-law of William Ewart Gladstone, who later became a Prime Minister. George and Mary had twelve children together: eight sons and four daughters.
Some of their notable children included:
- The Honourable Lucy Caroline Lyttelton (1841–1925): She married Lord Frederick Cavendish. Lucy Cavendish College at Cambridge University is named after her.
- Charles Lyttelton (1842–1922): He later took over his father's title.
- The Honourable Neville Gerald Lyttelton (1845–1931): He became a General in the British Army.
- The Honourable Lavinia Lyttelton (1849–1939): She is the great-great-grandmother of the famous adventurer Bear Grylls.
- The Honourable Arthur Temple Lyttelton (1852–1903): He became an Anglican Bishop.
- The Honourable Robert Henry Lyttelton (1854–1939): He was a well-known cricketer.
- The Honourable Edward Lyttelton (1855–1942): He became the headmaster of Eton College.
- The Honourable Alfred Lyttelton (1857–1913): He was a sportsman and a politician.
After Mary passed away in 1857, Lord Lyttelton married Sybella Harriet Clive in 1869. They had three daughters together.
Death
Lord Lyttelton died on April 19, 1876. His oldest son, Charles, took over his title as Baron Lyttelton. Charles later also inherited the title of Viscount Cobham. Lady Sybella Lyttelton, his second wife, passed away in December 1900.
