Peniston Lamb, 1st Viscount Melbourne facts for kids
{{Infobox officeholder | honorific-prefix = The Right Honourable | name = The Viscount Melbourne | image = File:George Stubbs 007 (cropped).jpg | alt = | caption = | birth_date = 29 January 1745 | birth_place = | death_date = 22 July 1828 (aged 83) | death_place = | party = | spouse = Elizabeth Milbanke | father = Sir Matthew Lamb, 1st Baronet
| children =
- Peniston Lamb
- William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne
- Frederick Lamb, 3rd Viscount Melbourne
- George Lamb
- Emily Lamb, Countess Cowper
Peniston Lamb, 1st Viscount Melbourne (born January 29, 1745 – died July 22, 1828) was an important British politician. He was known as Sir Peniston Lamb, 2nd Baronet from 1768 to 1770. He served in the House of Commons, which is a part of the British Parliament, from 1768 to 1793. He was also the father of William Lamb, who later became a Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Early Life and Family
Peniston Lamb was the son of Sir Matthew Lamb, 1st Baronet and Charlotte Coke. He went to Eton College, a famous school, from 1755 to 1762. In 1769, he joined Lincoln's Inn, which is a professional association for lawyers.
When his father passed away on November 6, 1768, Peniston inherited the title of Baronet. He also received Melbourne Hall in Derbyshire, a large estate.
On April 13, 1769, he married Elizabeth Milbanke. She was known for her beauty and intelligence. Elizabeth was a strong person who helped them become central figures in high society. In 1770, Peniston started building a grand house in London called Melbourne House, which is now known as The Albany.
Political Career
Peniston Lamb began his political journey in 1768. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Ludgershall without anyone running against him.
In 1770, he received a special honour. He was given the title Lord Melbourne, Baron of Kilmore, in Ireland. This was an Irish peerage, which meant he could still serve in the House of Commons in Great Britain.
He continued to be elected as MP for Ludgershall in 1774 and 1780. In 1781, he received another Irish title, becoming Viscount Melbourne, of Kilmore.
From 1783 to 1796, he worked as a Gentleman of the Bedchamber for the Prince of Wales. This was an important role in the royal household.
In 1784, he was elected as MP for Malmesbury. Later, in 1790, he became the MP for Newport, Isle of Wight. He gave up his seat in 1793 so his son, Peniston, could take his place.
Later Life and Honours
In 1812, Lord Melbourne became a Lord of the Bedchamber. This was another position in the royal court.
A few years later, in 1815, he received an even greater honour. He was made Baron Melbourne, of Melbourne in the County of Derby. This was a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. This new title meant he automatically gained a seat in the House of Lords, the upper house of the British Parliament.
Lord Melbourne passed away on July 22, 1828, at the age of 83. His son, William, inherited his titles.
Children
Lord Melbourne and his wife, Elizabeth, had seven children:
- Peniston Lamb (1770–1805)
- Elizabeth Lamb (born 1777)
- William Lamb (1779–1848), who became the 2nd Viscount Melbourne
- Frederick James Lamb (1782–1853), who became the 3rd Viscount Melbourne
- George Lamb (1784–1834)
- Emily Lamb, Countess Cowper (1787–1869)
- Harriet Lamb (1789-1803)
Peniston Lamb was known as a mild and easygoing person. His children sometimes felt they had to guide him. His daughter Emily once said that he often made mistakes and they had to help him fix things.
