Richard Edgcumbe, 2nd Earl of Mount Edgcumbe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe
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| Captain of the Honourable Band of Gentlemen Pensioners | |
| In office 1808–1812 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | The Duke of Portland Spencer Perceval |
| Preceded by | The Lord St John of Bletso |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Courtown |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 September 1764 |
| Died | 26 September 1839 (aged 75) |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouses | Lady Sophia Hobart (d. 1806) |
| Children | 5 |
| Parents | George Edgcumbe, 1st Earl of Mount Edgcumbe Emma Gilbert |
Richard Edgcumbe, 2nd Earl of Mount Edgcumbe (born 13 September 1764 – died 26 September 1839) was an important British politician and a writer who loved music. He was also a member of the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the King.
Before he became an Earl, he was known as Viscount Valletort from 1789 to 1795.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
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Richard Edgcumbe was the son of George Edgcumbe, 1st Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. His mother was Emma, whose father was John Gilbert, an Archbishop.
When Richard was a teenager in the 1770s, he visited Florence, Italy. There, a famous painter named Johann Zoffany included him in a painting called Tribuna of the Uffizi. This painting was ordered by the Queen. Richard can be seen as one of the younger people in the picture, looking over someone's shoulder.
He received the special title of Viscount Valletort in 1789. This happened when his father was made the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe.
Political Career and Public Service
Richard Edgcumbe began his political journey in 1786. He was elected to represent the area of Fowey in the British Parliament.
In 1790, he was also chosen to represent Lostwithiel. However, he decided to continue representing Fowey.
In 1795, his father passed away. Richard then became the 2nd Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. This meant he joined the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament.
He held an important role as the Captain of the Honourable Band of Gentlemen Pensioners. This was a special group that protected the King. He served in this role from 1808 to 1812. During this time, the Prime Ministers were the Duke of Portland and Spencer Perceval.
In 1808, he also became a member of the Privy Council. This group advises the King or Queen. In the same year, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a special honor for people who have done great things in science.
Besides his work in Parliament, Richard Edgcumbe also served his home county of Cornwall. He was the Lord Lieutenant and Vice-Admiral of Cornwall from 1795 until his death in 1839. These were important local leadership roles.
Passion for Music
Richard Edgcumbe was not just a politician; he was also very passionate about music. He wrote a book titled Musical Reminiscences of the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe.
This book listed all the operas he had heard between 1773 and 1823. Music experts often use his book to learn about the history of opera from the time of Mozart to Rossini.
He even composed his own Italian opera, called Zenobia. It was performed once at the King's Theatre in London in 1800.
Family Life
Lord Mount Edgcumbe married Lady Sophia Hobart on 21 February 1789. She was the daughter of John Hobart, 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire. They had five children together:
- Lady Emma Sophia Edgcumbe (born 1791 – died 1872)
- Lady Caroline Anne Edgcumbe (born 1792 – died 1824)
- William Richard Edgcumbe, Viscount Valletort (born 1794 – died 1818)
- Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, 3rd Earl of Mount Edgcumbe (born 1797 – died 1861)
- George Edgcumbe (born 1800 – died 1882)
Lady Mount Edgcumbe passed away in August 1806. Lord Mount Edgcumbe did not marry again. He died in September 1839, at the age of 75. He was buried at St Peter's Church, Petersham, in Richmond-upon-Thames.
Images for kids
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The Tribuna of the Uffizi.jpg
Richard Edgcumbe is shown in this painting commissioned by the Queen.
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Richard Edgcumbe playing the cello (left).
