Philip Stanhope, 5th Earl of Chesterfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Chesterfield
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| Master of the Mint | |
| In office 1789–1790 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | William Pitt the Younger |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Effingham |
| Succeeded by | The Marquess Townshend |
| Master of the Horse | |
| In office 1798–1804 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Westmorland |
| Succeeded by | The Marquess of Hertford |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 November 1755 |
| Died | 29 August 1815 (aged 59) Bretby, Derbyshire |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of Leipzig, Saxony |
Philip Stanhope, 5th Earl of Chesterfield (born November 10, 1755 – died August 29, 1815) was an important British politician and diplomat. Before 1773, he was known simply as Philip Stanhope. He held several key roles in the British government.
He served as the British Ambassador to Spain from 1784 to 1787. Later, he was the Master of the Mint from 1789 to 1790. He also worked as a Joint Postmaster General from 1790 to 1798. His final major role was Master of the Horse from 1798 to 1804.
Early Life and Learning
Philip Stanhope was the son of Arthur Charles Stanhope. His mother was Margaret Headlam. He was also the cousin and godson of Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield. When the 4th Earl died in 1773, Philip inherited his titles.
His adoptive father guided his early education. He had several tutors, including the poet Cuthbert Shaw. He also studied with Adam Ferguson, a professor from the University of Edinburgh. Philip later attended the University of Leipzig in Germany.
Working in Government
Lord Chesterfield became a favorite of King George III. In 1784, he joined the Privy Council. This group advises the King. He was also named Ambassador to Spain that same year. He held this job until 1787.
He worked under Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger. He was the Master of the Mint from 1789 to 1790. This role involved overseeing the making of coins. He then became a joint Postmaster General from 1790 to 1798.
Later, he served as Master of the Horse from 1798 to 1804. This was a senior position in the royal household. He held this role under both William Pitt the Younger and Henry Addington.
Lord Chesterfield also served as Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. This was a representative of the monarch in the county. He held this position from 1781 to 1782. In 1776, he became a member of the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries. These are groups for important scholars. In 1805, he was made a Knight of the Garter. This is a very high honor in Britain.
Family Life
Lord Chesterfield married his first wife, Anne Thistlewayte, on August 20, 1777. They had one daughter:
- Lady Harriet Stanhope (died 1803), who never married.
After Anne passed away in October 1798, he married again. His second wife was Lady Henrietta Thynne. They married on May 2, 1799. They had two children:
- Lady Georgiana Stanhope (died 1824). She married Frederick Richard West. They did not have any children.
- George Stanhope, 6th Earl of Chesterfield (1805–1866). He later inherited his father's title.
The Countess of Chesterfield died in May 1813. She was 50 years old. Lord Chesterfield died two years later in August 1815, at age 59. His only son, George, became the next Earl.
