Robert Bertie, 1st Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Grace The Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven PC
Portrait of Lord Ancaster by Godfrey Kneller
Lord Great Chamberlain
In office 1701–1723
Preceded by	The Earl of Lindsey
Succeeded by	The Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
In office 1689–1697
Preceded by	Robert Phelips
Succeeded by	The Earl of Stamford
Member of Parliament for Preston
In office 1690–1690 Serving with Christopher Greenfield
Preceded by	James Stanley Thomas Patten
Succeeded by	Christopher Greenfield Sir Edward Chisenhall
Member of Parliament for Boston
In office 1685–1690 Serving with Peregrine Bertie, Sir William Yorke
Preceded by	Sir Anthony Irby Sir William Yorke
Succeeded by	Sir William Yorke Peregrine Bertie
Personal details
Born	Robert Bertie (1660-10-20)20 October 1660
Died	26 July 1723(1723-07-26) (aged 62)
Political party	Tory
Spouses	Mary Wynn ​ ​ (m. 1678; her death 1689)​ Albinia Farington ​ ​ (m. 1705)​
Children	5, including Peregrine, 2nd Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven
Parents	Robert Bertie, 3rd Earl of Lindsey Hon. Elizabeth Wharton
Relatives	Peregrine Bertie (brother) Philip Bertie (brother) Albemarle Bertie (brother) Montagu Bertie, 2nd Earl of Lindsey (grandfather) Philip Wharton, 4th Baron Wharton (grandfather)

Robert Bertie, 1st Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven (born October 20, 1660 – died July 26, 1723) was an important British leader and nobleman. He held many titles during his life. He was known as the 17th Baron Willoughby de Eresby, then the 4th Earl of Lindsey, and later the 1st Marquess of Lindsey. Finally, he became the 1st Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven. He was also a member of the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the King or Queen.

Robert Bertie's Early Life

Robert Bertie was the oldest son of Robert Bertie, 3rd Earl of Lindsey. His mother was Elizabeth Wharton. Robert had several younger brothers and sisters.

• One brother, Peregrine Bertie, worked for King William III and Queen Anne.
• Another brother, Philip Bertie, worked for the Duchy of Cornwall.
• His brother Albemarle Bertie was also a Member of Parliament.

His grandparents were Montagu Bertie, 2nd Earl of Lindsey, and Martha Cokayne. His mother's father was Philip Wharton, 4th Baron Wharton. Robert Bertie grew up in a family with many important connections.

Robert Bertie's Political Career

Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire, was one of Robert Bertie's homes.

Robert Bertie began his political career in 1685. He became a Member of Parliament for Boston. He served in Parliament from 1685 to 1687 and again from 1689 to 1690.

In 1685, he helped put down the Monmouth Rebellion. This was a fight against King James II. In 1688, he supported William of Orange. William later became King of England.

As a reward, Robert Bertie became the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in 1689. This important job helped him get a seat in Parliament for Preston in 1690.

Moving to the House of Lords

In 1690, Robert Bertie left the House of Commons. He moved to the House of Lords, which is the upper house of the British Parliament. He did this after receiving a special order called a "writ of acceleration." This order made him Baron Willoughby de Eresby.

When his father died in 1701, Robert inherited the title of Earl of Lindsey. He also became a Privy Counsellor. He took on two more important jobs: Lord Great Chamberlain and Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire. He held these roles until his death. His son later inherited them.

New Titles and Homes

Robert Bertie received even more titles over time. In 1706, he became the Marquess of Lindsey. Then, in 1715, he was given the highest title: Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven.

In 1715, he hired a famous architect, Sir John Vanbrugh. Vanbrugh designed a new, grand front for Robert Bertie's home, Grimsthorpe Castle. This was to celebrate his new title as Duke. He also owned Lindsey House in London, which was built for his family in 1640.

Robert Bertie's Family Life

Robert Bertie was married twice and had many children.

First Marriage

On July 30, 1678, he married Mary Wynn. She was from a wealthy Welsh family. Mary was the only child of Sir Richard Wynn, 4th Baronet. They had five children together:

• Robert Bertie, Lord Willoughby (1683–1704). He passed away while studying in Germany.
• Peregrine Bertie, 2nd Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven (1686–1742). He later became the 2nd Duke.
• Lady Elizabeth Bertie.
• Lady Eleanor Bertie.
• Lady Mary Bertie.

Mary Wynn passed away in 1689.

Second Marriage

On July 6, 1705, Robert Bertie married Albinia Farington. She was the daughter of Major-General William Farington. They had four sons and one daughter:

• Lord Vere Bertie (died 1768). He also became a Member of Parliament.
• Captain Lord Montagu Bertie (died 1753).
• Captain Lord Thomas Bertie (1720–1749).
• Lieutenant-General Lord Robert Bertie (1721–1782). He was the Governor of Cork.
• Lady Louisa Bertie.

Robert Bertie passed away in July 1723 at the age of 62. His oldest living son, Peregrine, became the next Duke. His second wife, Albinia, later remarried and passed away in 1745.

Robert Bertie's Descendants

Funerary monument in Edenham Church.

Robert Bertie had many grandchildren through his children.

• His son Lord Vere had two daughters:
  • Albinia Bertie, who married George Hobart, 3rd Earl of Buckinghamshire.
  • Louisa Bertie, who married Lieutenant-General Hon. Sir Charles Stuart.

• His son Lord Montagu had a daughter:
  • Augusta Bertie, who married John Fane, 9th Earl of Westmorland.