Robert Shirley, 6th Earl Ferrers facts for kids
Robert Shirley (born July 20, 1723 – died April 18, 1787) was an important British nobleman. He held the title of the 6th Earl Ferrers. This means he was part of a very old and respected family in Britain.
Early Life and Family
Robert Shirley was born in 1723 in a place called St James, Westminster, which is in London. He was the third son of Laurence Shirley. This means he had two older brothers.
On December 26, 1754, Robert Shirley married Catherine Cotton. They had three children together:
- Robert Shirley, who later became the 7th Earl Ferrers. He was born in 1756 and lived until 1824.
- Lawrence Rowland Ferrers, born in 1757. He sadly passed away quite young, on February 5, 1773. When he was a young man, he was featured in a famous painting by Joseph Wright of Derby called "A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery."
- Washington Shirley, who became the 8th Earl Ferrers. He was born in 1760 and lived until 1842.
Becoming an Earl
In 1778, Robert Shirley became the Earl Ferrers. He inherited this important title from his brother, Washington Shirley, who was the 5th Earl Ferrers. His brother was a Vice-Admiral, which is a high rank in the navy.
Being an Earl meant Robert Shirley had a special position in society. It was a title passed down through his family.
Public Service
On July 4, 1781, Robert Shirley was given a role called a Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire. A Deputy Lieutenant is a person who helps the Lord-Lieutenant of a county. The Lord-Lieutenant is the King or Queen's personal representative in that county. So, Robert Shirley helped with important local duties in Derbyshire.
Later Life and Passing
Robert Shirley passed away in 1787 at his home in London. He was 63 years old. He was buried next to his wife, Catherine, in a place called Breedon on the Hill.
