William Villiers, 3rd Earl of Jersey facts for kids

The family symbol of the Earl of Jersey

A painting of Anne, his wife

William Villiers, 3rd Earl of Jersey, was an important English politician and a member of the nobility. He was also known as the 6th Viscount Grandison. He passed away on August 28, 1769. William Villiers came from the well-known Villiers family.

William's Early Life and Family

William Villiers was the son of William Villiers, 2nd Earl of Jersey. He followed in his father's footsteps as a leader in society.

On June 23, 1733, William married Anne Russell. She was also known as the Dowager Duchess of Bedford. Anne was the daughter of Scroop Egerton, 1st Duke of Bridgwater. She had been married before to Wriothesley Russell, 3rd Duke of Bedford.

William and Anne had two sons together:

• Frederick William Villiers, Viscount Villiers (born March 25, 1734 – died before October 11, 1742)
• George Bussy Villiers, 4th Earl of Jersey (1735–1805)

Only George Bussy Villiers lived longer than his parents.

Helping Others and Building Homes

Middleton Park around 1830

William Villiers was a founding Governor of the Foundling Hospital. This was a special charity that helped abandoned children in London. The hospital received its official permission, called a royal charter, on October 17, 1739. This allowed them to run an orphanage to care for children who had been left without a home.

William also played a role in building. He ordered the construction of the earlier Middleton Park. This grand house was located in Middleton Stoney, Oxfordshire.

Images for kids

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  The family symbol of the Earl of Jersey

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  A painting of Anne, his wife

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  Middleton Park around 1830