Viscount Grandison facts for kids
The title of Viscount Grandison is a special noble rank in Ireland. It was first given in 1620 to Sir Oliver St John. He was an important leader in Ireland, known as the Lord Deputy of Ireland. Sir Oliver was related to other famous families, including the St Johns of Bletso and the Bolingbrokes.
When the title was created, it had a special rule. Instead of passing to Sir Oliver's own sons, it was set up to go to the male children of his niece, Barbara Villiers. She was married to Sir Edward Villiers. This family was also connected to other powerful people like George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham.
In 1626, Sir Oliver St John also received another title, Baron Tregoz, in England. This title was meant to pass to his own sons. However, when he passed away in 1630, he had no sons. So, the Baron Tregoz title ended. The Viscount Grandison title then went to William Villiers, Barbara and Sir Edward's oldest son, as planned.
William Villiers, 2nd Viscount Grandison (1614–1643) was a strong supporter of King Charles I. He was hurt in a battle in 1643 and sadly passed away. He had a daughter named Barbara Villiers. She later became a very important person and was given the title of Duchess of Cleveland in 1670.
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How the Grandison Title Changed Hands
The second Viscount Grandison, William, did not have any sons. So, the title went to his younger brother, who became the third Viscount. He also passed away without children. The title then went to his younger brother, who became the fourth Viscount.
After the fourth Viscount passed away, his grandson became the fifth Viscount. This grandson was the son of Edward Villiers, the fourth Viscount's oldest son. In 1721, the fifth Viscount was given an even higher title: Earl Grandison in Ireland. However, he also had no sons who lived to inherit. So, when he passed away, the earldom ended.
The Viscount Grandison title then went to his second cousin, William Villiers, 3rd Earl of Jersey. He became the sixth Viscount. This William Villiers was a great-grandson of Sir Edward Villiers. You can find more about this line of the family by looking up the Earl of Jersey title.
In 1746, Elizabeth Mason, who was the daughter of the first Earl Grandison, was given the title Viscountess Grandison. Later, in 1767, she was also made Viscountess Villiers and Countess Grandison. All these titles were in Ireland. However, they also ended when the second Earl in this line passed away in 1800.
Viscount Grandison (First Creation, 1620)
- Oliver St John, 1st Viscount Grandison (born around 1560–died 1630)
- William Villiers, 2nd Viscount Grandison (1614–1643)
- John Villiers, 3rd Viscount Grandison (died around 1661)
- George Villiers, 4th Viscount Grandison (born around 1617–died 1699)
- John Villiers, 5th Viscount Grandison (1692–1766) (He was also made Earl Grandison in 1721)
Earl Grandison (First Creation, 1721)
- John Villiers, 1st Earl Grandison, 5th Viscount Grandison (1692–1766)
- James Villiers, Lord Villiers (died 1732)
- William Villiers, Lord Villiers (1715–1739)
Viscount Grandison (First Creation, Reverted)
For more about later Viscounts Grandison, see Earl of Jersey.
Earl Grandison (Second Creation, 1767)
- Elizabeth Mason, 1st Countess Grandison (died 1782)
- George Mason-Villiers, 2nd Earl Grandison (1751–1800)
