Thomas de Grey, 2nd Earl de Grey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl de Grey
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| First Lord of the Admiralty | |
| In office 22 December 1834 – 8 April 1835 |
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| Monarch | William IV |
| Prime Minister | Sir Robert Peel, Bt |
| Preceded by | The Lord Auckland |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Auckland |
| Lord Lieutenant of Ireland | |
| In office 11 September 1841 – 17 July 1844 |
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| Monarch | Queen Victoria |
| Prime Minister | Sir Robert Peel, Bt |
| Preceded by | Viscount Ebrington |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Heytesbury |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Philip Robinson
8 December 1781 |
| Died | 14 November 1859 (aged 77) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Tory |
| Spouse | Lady Henrietta Cole |
| Alma mater | St John's College, Cambridge |
Thomas Philip de Grey, 2nd Earl de Grey (born Robinson, later Weddell; 8 December 1781 – 14 November 1859) was an important British politician. He was known as Lord Grantham for many years. He held several high-ranking government jobs during his life. He was also a talented architect and helped design buildings.
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Family Background & Early Life
Thomas Philip de Grey was born Thomas Philip Robinson. His father was Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron Grantham. His mother was Mary Yorke. She was the daughter of Philip Yorke, 2nd Earl of Hardwicke.
Thomas Philip had a younger brother named Frederick John Robinson. Frederick also became a very important politician. He was even a Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Titles and Estates
When his father passed away in 1786, Thomas Philip became the 3rd Baron Grantham. In 1792, he inherited land and wealth from a distant cousin, William Weddell. William was famous for collecting art.
In 1833, Thomas Philip inherited more titles and land. He became the 2nd Earl de Grey and the 6th Baron Lucas. He also inherited a large estate called Wrest Park in Bedfordshire. This is why he later changed his last name to de Grey.
Political Career & Public Service
Thomas Philip de Grey studied at St John's College, Cambridge. He graduated in 1801. He then began his career in public service.
He became a Privy Counsellor in 1834. This is a group of advisors to the King or Queen. He was also made a Knight of the Garter in 1844. This is a very high honor in Britain.
From December 1834 to April 1835, he was the First Lord of the Admiralty. This meant he was in charge of the British Navy. It was a very important job for the country's defense.
Governing Ireland
Lord de Grey also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He held this position from 1841 to 1844. He was like the King's representative in Ireland.
During his time, he had different ideas from the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel. Lord de Grey believed Ireland needed more laws focused on its own economy. He also successfully stopped a large Irish protest movement peacefully. This was a big achievement.
Other Important Roles
Lord de Grey was also involved in many other public roles. He was the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire from 1818 until his death. This role meant he represented the King or Queen in that county.
He was also a colonel-commandant of the Yorkshire Hussars. This was a part-time cavalry group. He served as an aide to both King William IV and Queen Queen Victoria.
Architecture and Design
Thomas Philip de Grey had a great interest in architecture. In 1834, he helped start the Institute of British Architects in London. He was its first president until he passed away. This institute later became the Royal Institute of British Architects.
He also rebuilt his own home, Wrest Park, in a French style. He worked on it between 1833 and 1839. He also redesigned the deer park and added many decorations and statues.
Family Life
In 1805, Thomas Philip de Grey married Lady Henrietta Cole. They had two daughters together:
- Ann Florence de Grey: She inherited the title of Baroness Lucas from her father.
- Mary Gertrude de Grey
Later Life and Legacy
Lord de Grey passed away in November 1859 at the age of 77. His daughter, Ann de Grey, inherited his title of Baroness Lucas. His other titles, like Earl de Grey, could only be passed down to male relatives. So, his nephew, George Robinson, inherited those titles.
