Granville Leveson-Gower, 1st Marquess of Stafford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Honourable
The Marquess of Stafford
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Portrait by George Romney
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| Lord Privy Seal | |
| In office 22 December 1755 – 30 June 1757 |
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| Monarch | George II |
| Prime Minister | The Duke of Newcastle The Duke of Devonshire |
| Preceded by | The Duke of Marlborough |
| Succeeded by | The Earl Temple |
| In office 27 November 1784 – 1794 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | William Pitt the Younger |
| Preceded by | The Duke of Rutland |
| Succeeded by | The Earl Spencer |
| Lord President of the Council | |
| In office 22 December 1767 – 24 November 1779 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | The Earl of Chatham The Duke of Grafton Lord North |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Northington |
| Succeeded by | The Earl Bathurst |
| In office 19 December 1783 – 1 December 1784 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | William Pitt the Younger |
| Preceded by | The Viscount Stormont |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Camden |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 August 1721 |
| Died | 26 October 1803 (aged 82) Trentham Hall, Staffordshire |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Tory |
| Spouses | (1) Elizabeth Fazakerley (d. 1745) (2) Lady Louisa Egerton (d. 1761) (3) Lady Susanna Stewart (d. 1805) |
| Children |
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| Parents | John Leveson-Gower, 1st Earl Gower Lady Evelyn Pierrepont |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
Granville Leveson-Gower, 1st Marquess of Stafford (born August 4, 1721 – died October 26, 1803), was a very important British politician. He was known by different titles during his life, including Viscount Trentham and Earl Gower. Later, he became the Marquess of Stafford. He held several high-ranking jobs in the government, helping to lead the country.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Granville Leveson-Gower was born into a powerful family. His father, John Leveson-Gower, 1st Earl Gower, was also a well-known politician. His family was part of the Tory political group. This group believed in traditional British values and a strong monarchy.
Granville went to excellent schools. He studied at Westminster School and then at Christ Church, Oxford University. This education helped prepare him for a life in politics and public service.
Political Career and Important Roles
Granville started his political journey in 1744 when he was elected to Parliament. This meant he became a representative for an area, helping to make laws for the country.
In 1746, his older brother passed away. This meant Granville inherited a special title, becoming known as Viscount Trentham. Later, in 1754, his father died, and Granville inherited an even higher title, becoming Earl Gower.
He was closely connected to another powerful politician, John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford. This Duke was his brother-in-law. Granville was part of a group of politicians called the "Bloomsbury Gang." Because of these connections, he was given many important jobs in the government.
Some of his key roles included:
- Lord Privy Seal: This was a high government position. The person holding this job was in charge of the King's or Queen's private seal, which was used to approve important documents. He held this role twice.
- Lord President of the Council: This person led the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the monarch. He also held this role twice.
During the American Revolutionary War, Granville was a strong supporter of a tough approach towards the American colonies. However, he later became frustrated with how the government handled the war. He resigned from his position in 1779.
After the war, he was asked to form a new government, but he refused. Instead, he played a key part in bringing down another government. As a reward for his help, he was given the job of Lord President again in 1783. He continued to serve in the government until he retired in 1794. In 1786, he was given the title Marquess of Stafford for his many years of service.
Wealth and Investments
Granville Leveson-Gower was a very wealthy man. By 1799, his family was one of the richest in Britain. They owned a lot of land, especially in Staffordshire. They also had money from mines and from canals. Canals were like man-made rivers used to transport goods, and his family owned rights to collect tolls (fees) from them. This shows he was smart with his money and invested in new projects.
He passed away at his home, Trentham Hall, in Staffordshire, on October 26, 1803, at the age of 82.
Family Life and Marriages
Granville Leveson-Gower was married three times and had several children.
His first marriage was to Elizabeth Fazakerley in 1744. Sadly, she died less than a year later from smallpox, and they had no children.
His second marriage was to Lady Louisa Egerton in 1748. They had four children:
- Lady Louisa Leveson-Gower (born 1749)
- Lady Margaret Caroline Leveson-Gower (born 1753)
- George Leveson-Gower, 1st Duke of Sutherland (born 1758)
- Lady Anne Leveson-Gower (born 1761)
His third marriage was to Lady Susanna Stewart in 1768. They also had four children:
- Lady Georgiana Augusta Leveson-Gower (born 1769)
- Lady Charlotte Sophia Leveson-Gower (born 1771)
- Lady Susanna Leveson-Gower (born 1772)
- Granville Leveson-Gower, 1st Earl Granville (born 1773)
When Lord Stafford died, his eldest son from his second marriage, George, inherited his titles. George later became the Duke of Sutherland.
Images for kids
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Lodge at Lilleshall Abbey, a historic home of the Leveson family.
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Trentham Hall, Granville Leveson-Gower's family home, as it looked in 1880.
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