Harry Grey, 4th Earl of Stamford facts for kids

A portrait of Harry Grey by Thomas Hudson.

Enville Hall, where Harry Grey was born.

Dunham Massey Hall, an estate inherited by Harry Grey's wife.

Harry Grey, 4th Earl of Stamford (born June 18, 1715 – died May 30, 1768) was an important English nobleman. From 1720 to 1739, people called him Lord Grey. He held a special title called an "earl."

Who Was Harry Grey?

Harry Grey was born at a grand house called Enville Hall. He was the oldest son of Henry Grey, 3rd Earl of Stamford. Being the oldest son meant he would one day inherit his father's title.

Early Life and Education

Harry Grey went to two well-known schools. He studied at Rugby and also at Westminster. These schools helped prepare him for his future role.

Family Life

In 1736, Harry Grey married Lady Mary Booth. She was the only daughter of George Booth, 2nd Earl of Warrington. Lady Mary was also an heiress, meaning she would inherit a lot of property.

Harry and Mary had three children:

• George Harry Grey, 5th Earl of Stamford (1737–1819)
• Hon. Booth Grey (1740–1802)
• Hon. John Grey (1743 – July 12, 1802)

Booth Grey later became a MP. An MP is someone who helps make laws for the country. He represented the area of Leicester.

His Time in Politics

In 1738, Harry Grey represented Leicestershire in the British House of Commons. This was part of the British Parliament.

However, in 1739, he inherited his father's title. This meant he became the 4th Earl of Stamford. Because of this, he moved from the House of Commons to the House of Lords. The House of Lords is another part of Parliament, usually for nobles.

He also took on other important roles. On March 3, 1744, he became a Deputy Lieutenant of Lincolnshire. A Deputy Lieutenant is a local official who helps the King or Queen's representative. A few days later, on March 8, he also became a Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire.

Important Estates and Homes

Harry Grey inherited large family estates. These included Bradgate Park in Leicestershire and Enville in Staffordshire. He decided to make Enville Hall the main family home.

Because Enville Hall became the main home, Bradgate House was closed up. Its windows were bricked over. However, the park at Bradgate was still used for hunting and games.

The grounds around Enville Hall were very large, about 750 acres. Harry Grey had them redesigned in the mid-1700s.

His wife, Mary, also inherited important estates. When her father died in 1758, she received Dunham Massey in Cheshire and Stalybridge in Lancashire.

Later Life

Harry Grey passed away at Enville Hall. His oldest son, (George) Harry, became the 5th Earl of Stamford. He later received an even higher title.

See also

• Booth baronets