Mary Grey, Countess Grey facts for kids

Mary Elizabeth Grey, Countess Grey, was an important British lady who lived a long time ago, from 1776 to 1861. She was known for being the wife of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, who became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the 1830s. This made her a significant figure in British society and politics during that time.

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable The Countess Grey
Countess Grey with her children Caroline and Georgiana, in a print after Sir Thomas Lawrence, 1831
Born	Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby (1776-03-04)4 March 1776 Whitehaven
Died	26 November 1861(1861-11-26) (aged 85) Eaton Square, London
Nationality	British
Spouse(s)	Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey ​ ​ (m. 1794; died 1845)​
Children	16, including Henry, Charles, and Frederick
Parent(s)	Lord Ponsonby Louisa Molesworth

Early Life of Mary Elizabeth Grey

Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby was born on March 4, 1776, in a place called Whitehaven. She was the only daughter of William Ponsonby. Her father later became the 1st Baron Ponsonby. Her mother was Louisa Molesworth.

Family Life

On November 18, 1794, Mary Elizabeth married Charles Grey. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) at the time. Charles Grey later became the 2nd Earl Grey and served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Mary and Charles Grey had a very large family. They had ten sons and six daughters, making a total of sixteen children! Some of their children grew up to be important people, just like their parents. For example:

• Henry George Grey became the 3rd Earl Grey and followed in his father's footsteps as a politician.
• General Sir Charles Grey became a respected officer in the British Army.
• Admiral Sir Frederick William Grey became a high-ranking officer in the Royal Navy.

Later Years and Legacy

Mary Elizabeth's husband, Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830 to 1834. This was a very important time in British history.

Mary Grey became a widow on July 17, 1845, when her husband passed away. She lived for many more years, passing away on November 26, 1861, at the age of 85. She died in Eaton Square, a well-known area in London.