Walter Shirley, 11th Earl Ferrers facts for kids

Walter Knight Shirley, who became the 11th Earl Ferrers, was a British architect and a nobleman. He was born on June 5, 1864, and passed away on February 2, 1937. He was known for his architectural work and his involvement in important art and building protection groups.

Walter Knight Shirley: Architect and Earl

Early Life and Education

Walter Knight Shirley was born in Christ Church, Oxford. His father was a professor and a church leader there. Walter was the second son, but the only one who survived. His parents were Reverend Walter Waddington Shirley and Philippa Knight.

He went to school at Winchester College. Later, he studied at New College, Oxford, where he earned his degree in 1887.

His Work as an Architect

After college, Walter Shirley chose to become an architect. He trained with a famous architect named Basil Champneys. Walter was part of the Arts and Crafts Movement, which focused on traditional craftsmanship and simple designs.

He was very active in groups that protected old buildings and supported artists. He was a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the Art Workers Guild. In 1918, he was even chosen to be the Master of the Art Workers Guild.

One of his notable projects was designing a large addition to a building at 35 Victoria Road, Kensington in 1896. People who knew him described him as a very careful architect. They said he was "a most conscientious architect," meaning he took great care in his work.

Family Life

On July 9, 1890, Walter Shirley married Mary Jane Moon. She was the daughter of a lawyer named Robert Moon. Mary Jane's brother was Edward Robert Pacy Moon. Walter and Mary Jane had five children together:

• Lady Margery Joan Shirley (born 1891, died 1952). She married Lancelot Sackville Fletcher in 1920.
• Elizabeth Mary Shirley (born 1892, died 1893). She passed away when she was very young.
• Robert Shirley, 12th Earl Ferrers (born 1894, died 1954). He would later become the next Earl.
• Lady Phillida Shirley (born 1896, died 1985). She became a nun and lived as a recluse at a religious shrine.
• Hon. Andrew Shirley (born 1900, died 1958). He married Ethel Muriel Lewis in 1927 and became an art historian.

Becoming Earl Ferrers

In 1912, Walter Shirley became the Earl Ferrers. He inherited the title from his fourth cousin, who did not have any children. After becoming Earl, he mostly stopped working as an architect. Instead, he focused on managing the family's estates and properties.

He passed away at the age of 72 in 1937. He died at the family home, Staunton Harold Hall.