Thomas de Grey, 2nd Baron Walsingham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Walsingham
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Merton Hall - de Grey family seat in Norfolk
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| Joint Postmaster General | |
| In office 1787–1794 Serving with
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | William Pitt the Younger |
| Preceded by | The Lord Carteret The Earl of Clarendon |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Chesterfield The Earl of Leicester |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 July 1748 |
| Died | 16 January 1818 (aged 69) |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | Hon. Augusta Irby |
Thomas de Grey, 2nd Baron Walsingham (born July 14, 1748 – died January 16, 1818) was an important British politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like one part of the UK's parliament. He served there from 1774 to 1781. After that, he became a Baron, which is a noble title, and joined the House of Lords. He also held a big job as the Joint Postmaster General, helping to run the postal service. For many years, he was the Chairman of Committees in the House of Lords. This meant he led important discussions and decisions.
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The Early Life of Thomas de Grey
Thomas de Grey was the son of William de Grey, 1st Baron Walsingham. His father was a very important judge, known as the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. This was a top legal job in Britain.
Thomas went to Eton College from 1760 to 1765. Eton is a famous school in England. After that, he studied at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, starting in 1766. In 1781, when his father passed away, Thomas became the 2nd Baron Walsingham. He also inherited a large family estate called Merton Hall, Norfolk from his uncle that same year.
Thomas de Grey's Public Service Roles
Thomas de Grey held several important jobs for the government. From 1771 to 1777, he was a Groom of the Bedchamber to King George III. This was a personal attendant role to the King.
He also worked as a Lord of Trade from 1777 to 1781. This role involved helping to manage trade for the country. From 1778 to 1780, he was an Under-Secretary of State for the American department. This meant he helped with government matters related to the American colonies. Later, he was the Vice-Treasurer of Ireland from 1784 to 1787. He then became the joint Postmaster General from 1787 to 1794.
Thomas de Grey's Political Journey
Thomas de Grey started his political career as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented different areas in the House of Commons. He was an MP for Wareham in 1774. Then he represented Tamworth from 1774 to 1780. Finally, he was an MP for Lostwithiel from 1780 to 1781.
In 1781, he became a Baron and moved to the House of Lords. This is the upper house of the UK Parliament. In 1783, Lord Walsingham joined the Privy Council. This is a group of important advisors to the King or Queen. From 1794 to 1814, he was the Chairman of Committees in the House of Lords. This was a key role in guiding the work of the House.
Thomas de Grey's Family Life
Lord Walsingham married a woman named Augusta Georgina Elizabeth Irby. She was the daughter of William Irby, 1st Baron Boston. Thomas de Grey passed away in January 1818 when he was 69 years old. His oldest son, George, then became the 3rd Baron Walsingham.
