Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster
Encyclopedia
Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster KG
, PC
(27 January 1795 – 31 October 1869), styled Viscount Belgrave from 1802 to 1831 and Earl Belgrave from 1831 to 1845, was an English
politician, landowner, property developer and benefactor.
, London
, the eldest of the three sons of Robert Grosvenor, 1st Marquess of Westminster
and Lady Eleanor Egerton. He was educated at Westminster School
and Christ Church, Oxford
where he graduated MA. He undertook the Grand Tour
in 1815.
. In 1830 he was elected MP for Cheshire
until the constituency was divided in 1832, and from then until 1834 he represented South Cheshire
. He was Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire
from 1845 to 1867 and Lord Steward of the Household
between 1850 and 1852 in the Whig administration headed by Lord John Russell
. On 22 March 1850 he was admitted to the Privy Council. He was presented with the Order of the Garter
on 6 July 1857. Of his political activity it is said that "he seldom spoke in the House of Lords
".
style for his father by William Porden
. Grosvenor commissioned the Scottish architect William Burn
to make alterations to it, including raising the centre of the south front to make it look like a tower. Burn also designed Fonthill House for him in Scottish Baronial style. On his estates Grosvenor built farms, schools and "numerous" cottages. Among his schools were the Bishopsfield Schools in Hoole
, Chester.
architect John Douglas
. In 1865–66 Douglas designed St John's Church
for him in his estate village of Aldford
. About the same time Grosvenor gave fields in Chester to the city council for the formation of Grosvenor Park
. For this park Douglas designed a number of items, including the Entrance Lodge, the gates, and a cover for Billy Hobby's Well
. In 1865 the citizens of Chester began to raise money for the erection of a statue "to mark the public and private worth of his lordship, and the high estimation in which he is held by his neighbours and tenants, as well as by all classes of the community". Over £5,000 (£ as of ) was raised. The statue showing the marquess in his garter robes was designed by Thomas Thornycroft
, and erected in 1869; it still stands in Grosvenor Park.
Grosvenor's parents had instilled "high moral principles" in their children, and these stayed with Richard throughout his life. He has been described as "of austere character and unswerving devotion to duty as family man, politician and landlord". His obituary
in The Times
says "he administered his vast estate with a combination of intelligence and generosity not often witnessed".
(later 1st Duke of Sutherland
), in 1819. Following their marriage, Westminster and his wife initially lived at Eaton Hall, Cheshire
, the family's country house, with Lord and Lady Grosvenor. During the London season
, from April each year, the family moved to live in Grosvenor House
. In 1827 the couple visited Norway, Sweden and Russia and in 1835–36 they toured through Germany and Italy. In 1883 they moved into Motcombe House, Dorset
, in one of the family's estates. When the 1st Marquess died in 1845 they followed the family tradition of using Eaton Hall as their country house and Grosvenor House as their London residence, where they entertained lavishly.
Lord Westminster and his wife had thirteen children, ten of whom survived in to adulthood and three of whom lived into their nineties. Their second son Hugh Lupus Grosvenor
succeeded him as 3rd Marquess; he was later created Duke of Westminster
. Their youngest son Lord Richard Grosvenor
was ennobled as Baron Stalbridge
.
Lord Westminster died at Fonthill House, Fonthill Gifford
in Wiltshire
on 31 October 1869 after a short illness and was buried in the family vault in St Mary's Church, Eccleston
. His wealth at death is recorded as being under £800,000
(£ as of ).
Order of the Garter
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded in 1348, is the highest order of chivalry, or knighthood, existing in England. The order is dedicated to the image and arms of St...
, PC
Privy Council of the United Kingdom
Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, usually known simply as the Privy Council, is a formal body of advisers to the Sovereign in the United Kingdom...
(27 January 1795 – 31 October 1869), styled Viscount Belgrave from 1802 to 1831 and Earl Belgrave from 1831 to 1845, was an English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
politician, landowner, property developer and benefactor.
Background and education
Grosvenor was born at Millbank House, WestminsterWestminster
Westminster is an area of central London, within the City of Westminster, England. It lies on the north bank of the River Thames, southwest of the City of London and southwest of Charing Cross...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, the eldest of the three sons of Robert Grosvenor, 1st Marquess of Westminster
Robert Grosvenor, 1st Marquess of Westminster
Robert Grosvenor, 1st Marquess of Westminster, KG was the son of the 1st Earl Grosvenor, whom he succeeded in 1802 as 2nd Earl Grosvenor. He was created Marquess of Westminster in 1831. He was an English Member of Parliament and an ancestor of the modern day Dukes of Westminster...
and Lady Eleanor Egerton. He was educated at Westminster School
Westminster School
The Royal College of St. Peter in Westminster, almost always known as Westminster School, is one of Britain's leading independent schools, with the highest Oxford and Cambridge acceptance rate of any secondary school or college in Britain...
and Christ Church, Oxford
Christ Church, Oxford
Christ Church or house of Christ, and thus sometimes known as The House), is one of the largest constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England...
where he graduated MA. He undertook the Grand Tour
Grand Tour
The Grand Tour was the traditional trip of Europe undertaken by mainly upper-class European young men of means. The custom flourished from about 1660 until the advent of large-scale rail transit in the 1840s, and was associated with a standard itinerary. It served as an educational rite of passage...
in 1815.
Political and public life
In 1818 Grosvenor was elected as Whig MP for Chester and was later appointed as a Justice of the PeaceJustice of the Peace
A justice of the peace is a puisne judicial officer elected or appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace. Depending on the jurisdiction, they might dispense summary justice or merely deal with local administrative applications in common law jurisdictions...
. In 1830 he was elected MP for Cheshire
Cheshire (UK Parliament constituency)
Cheshire is a former United Kingdom Parliamentiary constituency for the county of Cheshire. It was a constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of England then of the Parliament of Great Britain from 1707 to 1800 and of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1832.As a county...
until the constituency was divided in 1832, and from then until 1834 he represented South Cheshire
South Cheshire (UK Parliament constituency)
South Cheshire was a United Kingdom Parliamentary constituency. It was created upon the division of Cheshire in 1832. In 1868, it was abolished with North Cheshire to form parts of East Cheshire, Mid Cheshire, and West Cheshire.-Members of Parliament:...
. He was Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire
Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire
This is a list of people who have served as Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire. Since 1689, all Lords Lieutenant have also been Custos Rotulorum of Cheshire.-Lord Lieutenants of Cheshire:-References:*-External links:*...
from 1845 to 1867 and Lord Steward of the Household
Lord Steward
The Lord Steward or Lord Steward of the Household, in England, is an important official of the Royal Household. He is always a peer. Until 1924, he was always a member of the Government...
between 1850 and 1852 in the Whig administration headed by Lord John Russell
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell, KG, GCMG, PC , known as Lord John Russell before 1861, was an English Whig and Liberal politician who served twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century....
. On 22 March 1850 he was admitted to the Privy Council. He was presented with the Order of the Garter
Order of the Garter
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded in 1348, is the highest order of chivalry, or knighthood, existing in England. The order is dedicated to the image and arms of St...
on 6 July 1857. Of his political activity it is said that "he seldom spoke in the House of Lords
House of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster....
".
Development of the estate
Grosvenor "devoted himself ... to the improvement of his London property", and added to his properties in Dorset and Cheshire; he was described as being a "model landlord". Eaton Hall had been rebuilt in flamboyant GothicGothic Revival architecture
The Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the 1740s in England...
style for his father by William Porden
William Porden
William Porden was a versatile English architect. Born in Kingston upon Hull, he trained under James Wyatt and Samuel Pepys Cockerell....
. Grosvenor commissioned the Scottish architect William Burn
William Burn
William Burn was a Scottish architect, pioneer of the Scottish Baronial style.He was born in Edinburgh, the son of architect Robert Burn, and educated at the Royal High School. After training with the architect of the British Museum, Sir Robert Smirke, he returned to Edinburgh in 1812...
to make alterations to it, including raising the centre of the south front to make it look like a tower. Burn also designed Fonthill House for him in Scottish Baronial style. On his estates Grosvenor built farms, schools and "numerous" cottages. Among his schools were the Bishopsfield Schools in Hoole
Hoole
Hoole is a suburb in the east of Chester, in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England.-History:The settlement was first mentioned in the Register of the Abbey of Saint Werburgh in 1119...
, Chester.
Personality and personal interests
Grosvenor continued the family interest in horse racing and, when he was living in the country estate, he spent time hunting and fishing. He gave generously to charity, and built and restored churches. He was an early patron of the ChesterChester
Chester is a city in Cheshire, England. Lying on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales, it is home to 77,040 inhabitants, and is the largest and most populous settlement of the wider unitary authority area of Cheshire West and Chester, which had a population of 328,100 according to the...
architect John Douglas
John Douglas (architect)
John Douglas was an English architect who designed about 500 buildings in Cheshire, North Wales, and northwest England, in particular in the estate of Eaton Hall. He was trained in Lancaster and practised throughout his career from an office in Chester, Cheshire...
. In 1865–66 Douglas designed St John's Church
St John the Baptist's Church, Aldford
St John the Baptist's Church, Aldford is located in the village of Aldford, Cheshire, England. The church has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building. It is an active Anglican parish church in the diocese of Chester, the archdeaconry of Chester and the deanery of...
for him in his estate village of Aldford
Aldford
Aldford is a village and civil parish in the county of Cheshire, England, south of Chester . It has a population of 213.The village lies on the east bank of the River Dee...
. About the same time Grosvenor gave fields in Chester to the city council for the formation of Grosvenor Park
Grosvenor Park, Chester
Grosvenor Park is a public park in the city of Chester, Cheshire, England . It consists of of land overlooking the River Dee. It is regarded as one of the finest and most complete examples of Victorian parks in the North West of England, if not nationally...
. For this park Douglas designed a number of items, including the Entrance Lodge, the gates, and a cover for Billy Hobby's Well
Billy Hobby's Well
Billy Hobby's Well is in Grosvenor Park, Chester, Cheshire, England. Its canopy has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building.-History:...
. In 1865 the citizens of Chester began to raise money for the erection of a statue "to mark the public and private worth of his lordship, and the high estimation in which he is held by his neighbours and tenants, as well as by all classes of the community". Over £5,000 (£ as of ) was raised. The statue showing the marquess in his garter robes was designed by Thomas Thornycroft
Thomas Thornycroft
Thomas Thornycroft was an English sculptor and engineer.-Biography:Thomas Thornycroft was born near Gawsworth, Cheshire, the eldest son of John Thornycroft, a farmer. He was educated at Congleton Grammar School and then briefly apprenticed to a surgeon. He moved to London where he spent four...
, and erected in 1869; it still stands in Grosvenor Park.
Grosvenor's parents had instilled "high moral principles" in their children, and these stayed with Richard throughout his life. He has been described as "of austere character and unswerving devotion to duty as family man, politician and landlord". His obituary
Obituary
An obituary is a news article that reports the recent death of a person, typically along with an account of the person's life and information about the upcoming funeral. In large cities and larger newspapers, obituaries are written only for people considered significant...
in The Times
The Times
The Times is a British daily national newspaper, first published in London in 1785 under the title The Daily Universal Register . The Times and its sister paper The Sunday Times are published by Times Newspapers Limited, a subsidiary since 1981 of News International...
says "he administered his vast estate with a combination of intelligence and generosity not often witnessed".
Family
Lord Westminster married Lady Elizabeth Leveson-Gower, younger daughter of George Leveson-Gower, 2nd Marquess of StaffordGeorge Leveson-Gower, 1st Duke of Sutherland
George Granville Leveson-Gower, 1st Duke of Sutherland KG, PC , known as Viscount Trentham from 1758 to 1786, as Earl Gower from 1786 to 1803 and as The Marquess of Stafford from 1803 to 1833, was a British politician, diplomat, landowner and patron of the arts. He is estimated to have been the...
(later 1st Duke of Sutherland
Duke of Sutherland
Duke of Sutherland, derived from Sutherland in Scotland, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom held by the head of the Leveson-Gower family. It was created by William IV in 1833 for George Leveson-Gower, 2nd Marquess of Stafford...
), in 1819. Following their marriage, Westminster and his wife initially lived at Eaton Hall, Cheshire
Cheshire
Cheshire is a ceremonial county in North West England. Cheshire's county town is the city of Chester, although its largest town is Warrington. Other major towns include Widnes, Congleton, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Northwich, and Wilmslow...
, the family's country house, with Lord and Lady Grosvenor. During the London season
Season (society)
The social season or Season has historically referred to the annual period when it is customary for members of the a social elite of society to hold debutante balls, dinner parties and large charity events...
, from April each year, the family moved to live in Grosvenor House
Grosvenor House
Grosvenor House was one of the largest private townhouses situated on London's exclusive Park Lane in the district of Mayfair. The house was the home of the Grosvenor family for more than a century...
. In 1827 the couple visited Norway, Sweden and Russia and in 1835–36 they toured through Germany and Italy. In 1883 they moved into Motcombe House, Dorset
Dorset
Dorset , is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. The county town is Dorchester which is situated in the south. The Hampshire towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch joined the county with the reorganisation of local government in 1974...
, in one of the family's estates. When the 1st Marquess died in 1845 they followed the family tradition of using Eaton Hall as their country house and Grosvenor House as their London residence, where they entertained lavishly.
Lord Westminster and his wife had thirteen children, ten of whom survived in to adulthood and three of whom lived into their nineties. Their second son Hugh Lupus Grosvenor
Hugh Grosvenor, 1st Duke of Westminster
Hugh Lupus Grosvenor, 1st Duke of Westminster KG, PC, JP , styled Viscount Belgrave between 1831 and 1845 and Earl Grosvenor between 1845 and 1869 and known as the 3rd Marquess of Westminster between 1869 and 1874, was an English landowner, politician and racehorse owner.He inherited the estate of...
succeeded him as 3rd Marquess; he was later created Duke of Westminster
Duke of Westminster
The title Duke of Westminster was created by Queen Victoria in 1874 and bestowed upon Hugh Grosvenor, 3rd Marquess of Westminster. The current holder of the title is Gerald Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster....
. Their youngest son Lord Richard Grosvenor
Richard Grosvenor, 1st Baron Stalbridge
Richard de Aquila Grosvenor, 1st Baron Stalbridge PC , styled Lord Richard Grosvenor between 1845 and 1886, was a British politician and businessman. Initially a Liberal, he served under William Ewart Gladstone as Vice-Chamberlain of the Household between 1872 and 1874 and as Parliamentary...
was ennobled as Baron Stalbridge
Baron Stalbridge
Baron Stalbridge, of Stalbridge in the County of Dorset, was a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created on 22 March 1886 for the politician and businessman Lord Richard Grosvenor. He was the third son of Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster...
.
- Lady Eleanor Grosvenor (22 October 1820-4 May 1911); m. Algernon Percy, 4th Duke of NorthumberlandAlgernon Percy, 4th Duke of NorthumberlandAdmiral Algernon Percy, 4th Duke of Northumberland KG, PC, FRS , styled Lord Algernon Percy until 1816 and known as The Lord Prudhoe between 1816 and 1847, was a British naval commander, explorer and Conservative politician.-Background:Northumberland was the younger son of General Hugh Percy, 2nd...
. - Lady Mary Frances Grosvenor (2 December 1821-2 January 1912); m. Thomas Parker, 6th Earl of MacclesfieldThomas Parker, 6th Earl of MacclesfieldThomas Augustus Wolstenholme Parker, 6th Earl of Macclesfield was a British peer. Before inheriting the earldom, he sat in the House of Commons as Conservative Member of Parliament for Oxfordshire from 1837 until 1841....
. - Gilbert Grosvenor (10 April 1823-2 January 1824).
- Lady Elizabeth Grosvenor (9 July 1824-16 December 1899), married Beilby Lawley, 2nd Baron WenlockBeilby Lawley, 2nd Baron WenlockBeilby Richard Lawley, 2nd Baron Wenlock was an English nobleman, eldest son of Paul Thompson, 1st Baron Wenlock and 8th Baronet...
. - Hugh Lupus Grosvenor, 1st Duke of Westminster (13 October 1825-22 December 1899).
- Lady Evelyn Grosvenor (16 December 1826-25 January 1839).
- Lady Caroline Amelia Grosvenor (14 June 1828-24 March 1906); m. William Leigh, 2nd Baron Leigh.
- Lady Octavia Grosvenor (22 September 1829-29 May 1921); m. Col. Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart, 7th Baronet.
- Lady Agnes Grosvenor (24 January 1831-22 January 1909); m. Sir Archibald Campbell, 3rd Baronet.
- Lord Gilbert Norman Grosvenor (6 January 1833-20 March 1854).
- Lady Jane Louisa Octavia Grosvenor (29 August 1834-13 July 1921); m. firstly, Gamel Pennington, 4th Baron Muncaster; m. secondly, Hugh Lindsay.
- Richard Grosvenor, 1st Baron StalbridgeRichard Grosvenor, 1st Baron StalbridgeRichard de Aquila Grosvenor, 1st Baron Stalbridge PC , styled Lord Richard Grosvenor between 1845 and 1886, was a British politician and businessman. Initially a Liberal, he served under William Ewart Gladstone as Vice-Chamberlain of the Household between 1872 and 1874 and as Parliamentary...
(28 January 1837-18 May 1912). - Lady Theodora Grosvenor (7 July 1840-24 March 1924; m. Thomas Guest.
Lord Westminster died at Fonthill House, Fonthill Gifford
Fonthill Gifford
Fonthill Gifford is a village in Wiltshire, England. Its population has dwindled from 493 in the 1801 Census to 120 in the 2001 Census.The current Church of England parish church of All Saints was built in 1864–66 to designs by the Gothic Revival architect T.H. Wyatt...
in Wiltshire
Wiltshire
Wiltshire is a ceremonial county in South West England. It is landlocked and borders the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. It contains the unitary authority of Swindon and covers...
on 31 October 1869 after a short illness and was buried in the family vault in St Mary's Church, Eccleston
St Mary's Church, Eccleston
St Mary's Church, Eccleston, is in the village of Eccleston, Cheshire, England, on the estate of the Duke of Westminster south of Chester. The church is designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building. It is an active Anglican parish church in the diocese of Chester, the...
. His wealth at death is recorded as being under £800,000
(£ as of ).