Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 2nd Earl of Minto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Minto
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| First Lord of the Admiralty | |
| In office 15 September 1835 – 30 August 1841 |
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| Monarch | William IV Queen Victoria |
| Prime Minister | The Viscount Melbourne |
| Preceded by | The Lord Auckland |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Haddington |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 November 1782 |
| Died | 31 July 1859 (aged 76) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouse | Mary Brydone (d. 1853) |
| Children | 10 |
| Parents | Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 1st Earl of Minto Anna Maria Amyand |
| Education | Eton College |
| Alma mater | St. John's College, Cambridge University of Edinburgh |
Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, known as the 2nd Earl of Minto, was an important British politician and diplomat. He was born on November 16, 1782, and passed away on July 31, 1859. For a short time, he was known as Viscount Melgund. He belonged to the Whig political party.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Gilbert was the oldest son of the 1st Earl of Minto. His mother was Anna Maria. He went to famous schools like Eton College, St John's College, Cambridge, and the University of Edinburgh.
Political Career and Diplomacy
Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound first became a Member of Parliament for Ashburton in 1806. He held this position until 1807. Later, he represented Roxburghshire from 1812 to 1814.
In 1814, he became the Earl of Minto after his father passed away. This meant he took a seat in the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. In 1832, he joined the Privy Council, a group of important advisors to the King or Queen.
Key Government Roles
From 1832 to 1834, he served as the British Minister to Prussia. This was an important diplomatic role.
In 1835, he was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty. This meant he was in charge of the Royal Navy. He held this job until 1841.
Later, from 1846 to 1852, he was the Lord Privy Seal. This is another high-ranking government position. He also traveled as a special envoy to several places in Italy and Switzerland in 1847–1848. He had a strong connection to the Whig party. This was partly because his daughter, Lady Frances, was married to Lord John Russell, who later became Prime Minister.
Family Life
Lord Minto married Mary Brydone in 1806. They had ten children together, five sons and five daughters. Lady Minto passed away in July 1853. Lord Minto lived for six more years, dying in July 1859 at the age of 75. His oldest son, William, became the 3rd Earl of Minto.
Children of Lord Minto
- Lady Charlotte (died 1899), who married Melville Portal, a Conservative Member of Parliament.
- Harriet Anne Gertrude (died 1855). She passed away when she was young.
- William, 3rd Earl of Minto.
- Lady Mary Elizabeth, who married Ralph Abercromby, 2nd Baron Dunfermline.
- Hon. Sir Henry Elliot was a diplomat, just like his father.
- Sir Charles Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound became an Admiral of the Fleet, a very high rank in the navy.
- Frances Anna Maria (1815–1898) married John Russell, who later became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- Hon. George Francis (1822–1901), who was a lawyer. He never married.
- Lady Elizabeth Amelia Jane (c. 1823 – 1892), who married Lt.-Col. Frederick Romilly.
- Lt-Col. Hon. Gilbert (1826–1865), who married Katherine Anne Gilbert. They did not have children.
