Peter Burrell, 1st Baron Gwydyr facts for kids
Sir Peter Burrell, 1st Baron Gwydyr (born 16 June 1754 – died 29 June 1820) was an important person in English politics during the late 1700s. He was especially famous for his love of cricket. He played a big part in starting the famous Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 1787.
Peter Burrell was the son of a man also named Peter Burrell. He went to school at Eton College and later studied at St John's College, Cambridge.
Sir Peter's Public Life
Sir Peter Burrell was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP). This meant he helped make laws for the country. He represented the area of Haslemere from 1776 to 1780. Later, he represented Boston from 1782 to 1796.
In 1779, he married Lady Priscilla Barbara Elizabeth Bertie. Her father was Peregrine Bertie, 3rd Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven. Lady Priscilla inherited a lot of land and an important title. She became the Baroness Willoughby of Eresby in 1780. She also inherited a special job called the Lord Great Chamberlain.
Because of his wife's important role, Sir Peter became her deputy in 1781. This meant he helped her with her duties. A big moment in his public life was helping with the proceedings involving Warren Hastings. Hastings was a former Governor-General of India. Sir Peter helped manage the important process that looked into Hastings' time in office.
Sir Peter also inherited titles. He became a Baronet in 1787 after his great-uncle, Sir Merrik Burrell. On 16 June 1796, he was given the title Baron Gwydyr.
His Love for Cricket
Sir Peter Burrell was a very enthusiastic amateur cricketer. He was one of the most important people in the early days of the White Conduit Club. He was also key to the start of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Many people say he was the third most important person in these clubs. The other two were George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea and Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of Richmond.
He played in seven important cricket matches between 1787 and 1790. In 1785, he scored an amazing 97 runs in one game. This was for the White Conduit Club against the Gentlemen of Kent. The match took place at White Conduit Fields.
His Family
Sir Peter Burrell passed away in 1820. He and his wife, Priscilla Bertie, lived at Langley Park in Beckenham. They had three sons and one daughter. His oldest son, Peter Robert Drummond-Burrell, inherited his titles. He became the 2nd Baron Gwydyr and the 22nd Baron Willoughby de Eresby.
