Washington Shirley, 8th Earl Ferrers facts for kids

Washington Shirley, the 8th Earl Ferrers, was an important British nobleman who lived from 1760 to 1842. He was known by the title "Hon. Washington Shirley" for many years before he became an Earl. An Earl is a noble title, similar to a duke or a marquis, and it usually means someone owns a lot of land and has a special place in society.

Early Life and Education

Washington Shirley was born on November 13, 1760. He was the third son of Robert Shirley, who was the 6th Earl Ferrers. Like many noble children of his time, he received a good education. He went to Westminster School, which is a famous school in London, England.

In 1780, when he was about 19 years old, he got a job in the Royal Household. He was appointed as a cupbearer. This meant he had a role serving drinks to the King or Queen. However, this job was what people called a "sinecure." A sinecure was a job that paid money but didn't require much actual work. This particular job was ended a couple of years later, in 1782.

Family Life

Washington Shirley was married twice during his life.

First Marriage and Children

On July 24, 1781, he married Frances Ward. They got married in Gretna Green, Scotland, which was a popular place for quick marriages back then. Frances passed away on March 4, 1812.

Together, Washington and Frances had three children:

• Lady Frances Shirley (born 1782, died 1834). She never married.
• Robert William Shirley, Viscount Tamworth (born 1783, died 1830). He was their only son. Robert William married Anne Weston in 1821. They had three children:
  • Hon. Rosamond Anne Myrtle Shirley (born 1818, died 1865). She married Henry Hanbury-Tracy.
  • Washington Sewallis Shirley, 9th Earl Ferrers (born 1822, died 1859). He would later become the 9th Earl Ferrers.
  • Lt. Hon. Robert William Devereux Shirley (born 1825, died 1849). He served in the military.
• Julia Anne Shirley (born 1785, died 1825).

Second Marriage

After his first wife, Frances, died, Washington Shirley married again. He married Sarah Davy on September 28, 1829. Sarah passed away in 1835. They did not have any children together.

Becoming Earl Ferrers

In 1827, Washington Shirley became the 8th Earl Ferrers. This happened because his older brother's son, who would have inherited the title, had passed away without any children who could legally inherit the title. So, the title passed to Washington.

In 1832, he was also appointed as a deputy lieutenant of Leicestershire. A deputy lieutenant is a local official who helps the Lord-Lieutenant, who is the King's or Queen's representative in a county.

Later Life and Death

Washington Shirley, the 8th Earl Ferrers, lived to be 81 years old. He passed away on October 2, 1842, at a place called Chartley. He was buried in a place called Staunton Harold.