Washington Shirley, 2nd Earl Ferrers facts for kids

Washington Shirley, 2nd Earl Ferrers (born June 22, 1677 – died April 14, 1729), was an important British nobleman and soldier. He held the title of Earl Ferrers, which is a high rank in the British peerage. Before becoming Earl, he was known as Hon. Washington Shirley and later as Viscount Tamworth.

Early Life and Military Career

Washington Shirley was the second son of Robert Shirley, who was the 1st Earl Ferrers. His mother was Elizabeth Washington. He went to Trinity College, Oxford in 1693 to study.

In 1697, Washington Shirley joined the army. He became an ensign in the Coldstream Guards, which is a famous regiment of the British Army. An ensign was a junior officer who carried the regiment's flag. He served in the Coldstream Guards until after 1702.

Political and Family Life

From 1713 to 1715, Washington Shirley was a member of the Parliament of Ireland for the area called Fore. This was likely due to his wife's family connections.

In 1714, his nephew, Robert Shirley, Viscount Tamworth, passed away. Because Washington Shirley was the next in line to inherit his father's title, he then used the title of Viscount Tamworth. He officially became the 2nd Earl Ferrers in 1717 after his father died. However, the family's wealth and lands were not as large as before. This was because his stepmother received a portion of the family's money, and some was given to his brothers and half-brothers.

Washington Shirley married Mary Levinge around 1704. Mary was the daughter of Sir Richard Levinge, 1st Baronet. They had three daughters:

• Lady Elizabeth Shirley (1704 – August 17, 1734): She married Joseph Gascoigne Nightingale. They had children, and there is a special monument to them in Westminster Abbey.
• Lady Selina Shirley (1707–1791): She married Theophilus Hastings, 9th Earl of Huntingdon. Lady Selina became a very important leader in the early Methodist movement, which was a new Christian group at the time.
• Lady Mary Shirley (September 25, 1712 – August 12, 1784): She married Thomas Needham, 9th Viscount Kilmorey, but they did not have children.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1725, Washington Shirley was given two important roles in Staffordshire, England. He became the Lord Lieutenant and the Custos Rotulorum of Staffordshire. These roles meant he was the King's main representative in the county and was responsible for keeping records and peace.

Washington Shirley passed away on April 14, 1729. Because he did not have any sons, the title of Earl Ferrers went to his brother, Henry. Henry, unfortunately, suffered from a mental illness and was unable to manage the title himself.