Alexander Stanhope was an English envoy in Madrid between 1690 and 1699.

Early Life

He was the youngest son of Philip Stanhope, 1st Earl of Chesterfield

Philip Stanhope, 1st Earl of Chesterfield

Philip Stanhope, 1st Earl of Chesterfield , son of Sir John Stanhope and his wife Cordell Allington, was an English aristocrat. Stanhope was knighted in 1605 by James I...

 and Anne Pakington. He was educated at Exeter College, Oxford

Exeter College, Oxford

Exeter College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England and the fourth oldest college of the University. The main entrance is on the east side of Turl Street...

, graduating in 1654.

He married Catherine Burghill, daughter of Arnold Burghill of Thingehill Parva. They had several children, including:

1. James Stanhope, 1st Earl Stanhope
   James Stanhope, 1st Earl Stanhope
   James Stanhope, 1st Earl Stanhope PC was a British statesman and soldier who effectively served as Chief Minister between 1717 and 1721. He is probably best remembered for his service during War of the Spanish Succession...
   
    (b 1674 – 5 February 1721) married 24 February 1713 Lucy Pitt, daughter of Thomas Pitt of Boconnoc
2. Mary Stanhope (b. abt. 1686 – 30 August 1762) married 12 December 1707) Charles Fane, 1st Viscount Fane

His son James Stanhope, a famous General, is sometimes considered the first Prime Minister of Great Britain between 1717 and 1721.

Career

He was a Gentleman Usher to the Queen. He was an Envoy extraordinary to Spain (1689-1706) and Envoy to the States-General.

He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in May 1663