Richard Lumley, 2nd Earl of Scarbrough facts for kids
Richard Lumley, 2nd Earl of Scarbrough KG PC (born November 30, 1686 – died January 29, 1740) was an important British Army officer and politician. He lived at Stansted Park in Sussex and Lumley Castle in County Durham. From 1710 to 1721, he was known as Viscount Lumley. He was a member of the Whig Party, which was a major political group at the time.
Richard Lumley served in the British House of Commons as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1708 to 1715. After that, he became a member of the House of Lords as Baron Lumley. Later, he inherited his father's title, becoming the Earl of Scarborough.
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Early Life and Education
Richard Lumley was the second son of Richard Lumley, 1st Earl of Scarbrough. He received a good education, which was common for people from noble families.
He attended Eton College, a famous school, around 1702. After that, in 1703, he went to King's College, Cambridge to continue his studies.
His Career in Politics and the Army
Richard Lumley had a busy career, serving both in politics and the military.
Starting in Parliament (1708-1715)
In 1708, Richard Lumley was elected as a Whig Member of Parliament (MP) for East Grinstead. He supported important laws, like one in 1709 that helped people from Palatine become British citizens.
He wanted to join the army. Even without an official position at first, he joined the Duke of Marlborough's military campaign in 1709. In 1710, he voted to impeach Dr. Sacheverell, a political figure.
Later in 1710, his older brother passed away. Richard then became the MP for Arundel. He also took on the role of vice-admiral for County Durham. In 1711, he supported a motion called 'No Peace Without Spain', which was about Britain's war efforts.
Military Ranks and Later Political Moves
By 1712, Richard Lumley had an official army position as a lieutenant-colonel of horse. In 1713, he became a lieutenant-colonel in the 1st Dragoon Guards. He continued to vote on important bills in Parliament, often against the Court's proposals.
He was re-elected as MP for Arundel in 1713. He was concerned about the movements of the Pretender, who was trying to claim the British throne. Lumley wanted the Pretender removed from Lorraine. He also spoke and voted against expelling Richard Steele, a writer and politician, from the House of Commons.
In 1714, he received two important appointments. He became a Lord of the Bedchamber to the Prince of Wales in September. Then, in November, he became the Master of the Horse to the Prince of Wales.
Moving to the House of Lords and Further Service
In 1715, Richard Lumley was called to the House of Lords as Baron Lumley. This meant he moved from being an MP to being a peer. That same year, he became a colonel and captain of the 1st Foot Guards. He fought against the Jacobites at the Battle of Preston.
He remained a strong supporter of the Whig Party in the House of Lords. In 1717, he had to sell his regiment because he supported the Prince of Wales. In 1721, he stood in for Ernest, Duke of York, at a baptism.
After his father's death in December 1721, Richard inherited the title of Lord Scarbrough. He then became the Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland and Colonel of the Coldstream Guards in 1722. On July 9, 1724, he was made a Knight of the Garter, which is a very high honor.
When King George II became king in 1727, Richard Lumley became the Master of the Horse to the King. He also joined the Privy Council on June 15, 1727. He left his court position in 1734. He was promoted to major-general in 1735 and lieutenant-general in 1739. In 1739, he helped found the Foundling Hospital in London, which cared for abandoned children.
Death and Legacy
Richard Lumley passed away on January 29, 1740. He was buried on February 4, 1740, in the Grosvenor Chapel in South Audley Street, Mayfair.
After his death, his titles were passed on to his brother, Thomas.
