Robert Shirley (FRS) facts for kids
Robert Shirley (born September 4, 1673 – died February 25, 1699) was an important person in British politics and someone who loved art and science. He was known as the Hon. Robert Shirley after 1677. He tried to become a Member of Parliament for Staffordshire but wasn't successful. He became a member of the Royal Society, a famous group for scientists, just before he passed away.
Early Life and Family
Robert Shirley was born at a place called Staunton Harold Hall. He was the oldest son of Sir Robert Shirley, who later became Lord Ferrers of Chartley. When he was young, he was supposed to marry his cousin, Catherine Venables, but she died in 1680.
Later, on September 27, 1688, he married Anne Ferrers. Anne inherited a big castle called Tamworth Castle and other lands from her grandfather, John Ferrers. After he got married, Robert mostly lived at Chartley Castle and Staunton Harold. In the summer of 1698, he visited his family's land in Ireland, which was in County Monaghan.
Trying for Parliament
When Robert came back from Ireland, he decided he wanted to become a Member of Parliament for Staffordshire in the 1698 election. The person who had the seat before, John Grey, was retiring.
Robert asked for help from Sir Walter Bagot and his son Edward. However, this caused a problem. In Staffordshire, important families usually met and agreed on who would run for election to avoid expensive fights. Edward Bagot wanted the seat for himself. He wrote to many local leaders, telling them that Robert had broken the usual rules. He asked them not to promise their support until a meeting could be held.
Another current Member of Parliament, Henry Paget, wanted to keep his seat. So, many people started to support Paget and Bagot. Even so, Robert's father, Lord Ferrers, and his relative Viscount Weymouth kept trying to get support for Robert and Bagot.
In August 1698, just before the election, a meeting was held to try and find a solution. They hoped one of the candidates would step aside and run without competition in the next election. But they couldn't agree. It seems Robert Shirley did not win the election, and Paget and Bagot became the Members of Parliament.
Interests and Legacy
Robert Shirley was very interested in books and science. On January 11, 1699, he was accepted as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This was a big honor for someone interested in science.
Sadly, he didn't get to enjoy his membership for long. He died from smallpox on February 25, 1699. His wife, Anne, had also died from smallpox in March 1698. Both of them were buried at Staunton Harold.
Robert Shirley left behind four children:
- Robert Shirley, Viscount Tamworth (1692–1714)
- Elizabeth Shirley, 15th Baroness Ferrers of Chartley (1694–1741)
- Ferrers Shirley (July 5, 1696 – October 10, 1712)
- Thomas Shirley (July 3, 1697 – 1708)
