Robert Bruce, 1st Earl of Ailesbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Bruce
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Portrait by Henri Gascar
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| Born | ca. March 1626 |
| Died | 20 October 1685 Houghton House, Bedfordshire, |
| Title | Earl of Ailesbury |
| Tenure | 18 March 1664 – 20 October 1685 |
| Other titles | 2nd Earl of Elgin Viscount Bruce of Ampthill Baron Bruce of Skelton |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Residence | Houghton House |
| Spouse(s) | Lady Diana Grey |
| Issue | Hon. Edward Bruce Thomas Bruce, 2nd Earl of Ailesbury Diana Bruce, Lady Roos Mary Bruce, Lady Walter Christiana Bruce, Lady Rolle Anne Bruce, Lady Rich Hon. Robert Bruce (d. 1652) Hon. Charles Bruce Hon. Bernard Bruce Anne Charlotte Bruce, Lady Bagenel Henrietta Bruce-Ogle Hon. Robert Bruce (d. 1728) Hon. James Bruce |
| Parents | Thomas Bruce, 1st Earl of Elgin Anne Chichester |
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Robert Bruce, 1st Earl of Ailesbury (also known as the 2nd Earl of Elgin), was an important Scottish politician. He was born around March 1626 and passed away on October 20, 1685. He served in the English Parliament from 1660 to 1663. After his father's death, he inherited the title of Earl of Elgin.
Contents
Robert Bruce's Life
Early Years and Education
Robert Bruce was the son of Thomas Bruce, 1st Earl of Elgin and his first wife, Anne Chichester. When he was about nine years old, a famous artist named Cornelius Johnson painted his portrait.
As a young man, Robert went on a "Grand Tour" of Europe. This was a popular trip for young, wealthy people to travel and learn about different cultures. He traveled from 1642 to 1646.
Political Career and Titles
Before his father passed away, Robert Bruce was known as Lord Bruce. He became a Member of Parliament for Bedfordshire. He served in two important Parliaments: the Convention Parliament in 1660 and the Cavalier Parliament in 1661.
In 1663, he inherited his father's titles and became the 2nd Earl of Elgin. The very next year, on March 18, 1664, he was given even more important titles: Earl of Ailesbury, Viscount Bruce of Ampthill, and Baron Bruce of Skelton. These honors were given to him because he helped with the English Restoration. This was a time when the monarchy (the king and queen) was brought back to England after a period of civil war.
Robert Bruce also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire. This role meant he was the King's representative in the county. He shared this role with the Earl of Cleveland from 1660 and then held it alone from 1667 until his death.
Later Achievements and Roles
In October 1678, Lord Ailesbury was made a Privy Counsellor (PC). This meant he was a trusted advisor to the King. He also became a Gentleman of the Bedchamber, which was a close personal attendant to the King.
He continued to serve as a Lord Lieutenant for other areas, including Cambridgeshire and Hampshire, from 1681 until his death. In 1685, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group dedicated to promoting science. On July 30, 1685, he was appointed Lord Chamberlain, a high-ranking officer in the royal household.
Death and Legacy
Robert Bruce passed away in 1685 at the age of 58. He died at Houghton House, which was located north of Ampthill, Bedfordshire. He was buried on October 26, 1685, in a place called Maulden.
His wife, the Dowager Countess of Ailesbury, later built Ampthill House nearby in 1686. This house was originally meant to be a "dower house," a home for a widow. By this time, the Bruce family owned many large properties, or "estates," including Whorlton Castle, West Tanfield, Manfield, and Clerkenwell Priory.
Family Life
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Robert Bruce married Lady Diana Grey on February 16, 1645. Diana was the daughter of Henry Grey, 1st Earl of Stamford. Robert and Diana had seventeen children together. Nine of their children lived to be adults.
Some of their children included:
- Hon. Edward Bruce (born 1644/5, died 1662)
- Thomas Bruce, 2nd Earl of Ailesbury (born 1656, died December 16, 1741)
- Lady Diana Bruce (died July 15, 1672), who married twice.
- Lady Mary Bruce (born December 31, 1657, buried May 15, 1711).
- Lady Christiana Bruce (born 1658), who also married twice.
- Lady Anne Bruce (born around 1660, died before 1717).
- Lady Anne Charlotte Bruce (died March 13, 1713).
- Lady Henrietta Bruce.
- Hon. Robert Bruce (died 1728).
- Hon. James Bruce (died 1738).
