Thomas De Grey, 2nd Earl De Grey

Thomas Philip de Grey, 2nd Earl de Grey, 3rd Baron Grantham, 6th Baron Lucas, was born Robinson on December 8, 1781. He died on November 14, 1859. His places of residence included Wrest Park in the parish of Silsoe, Bedfordshire.

Early Life and Family Background:

He was the eldest son of Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron Grantham, and Lady Mary Jemima Yorke. His father was provided with estates at Newby Hall in Yorkshire, specifically at Newby-on-Swale and Rainton. Lady Mary Jemima Yorke was a daughter of Philip Yorke, 2nd Earl of Hardwicke, and Jemima Campbell, suo jure 2nd Marchioness Grey. His younger brother was Frederick John Robinson, who served as Prime Minister and was known as "Lord Goderich."

Name Changes and Inheritance:

Originally styled as The Hon. Thomas Robinson until 1786, he became Lord Grantham after succeeding his father as the 3rd Baron Grantham in 1786. In 1792, he inherited the estate of Newby Hall and the title of 6th Robinson Baronet "of Newby" from his first cousin Norton Robinson. That same year, he became heir to William Weddell of Newby Hall, a noted art collector.

In 1833, he succeeded his maternal aunt Amabel Hume-Campbell, suo jure 1st Countess de Grey and 5th Baroness Lucas, as the 2nd Earl de Grey and 6th Baron Lucas. This inheritance included Wrest Park estate in Bedfordshire.

Education:

He was admitted to St John's College, Cambridge in 1798 and earned his MA degree in 1801.

Political and Public Service:

Thomas de Grey was appointed to the Privy Council in December 1834 and served as First Lord of the Admiralty until April 1835. He was made a Knight of the Garter in 1844. He held the position of Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire from 1818 until his death and served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from September 1841 to July 1844. During his tenure as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, he disagreed with Sir Robert Peel on religious policies and favored legislative measures aimed at Ireland.

Military Roles:

He was colonel-commandant of the Yorkshire Hussars, a Yeomanry Cavalry regiment, for over four decades. He was also appointed as yeomanry aide-de-camp to King William IV and to Queen Victoria.

Architectural and Cultural Contributions:

De Grey was the first president of the Institute of British Architects—later the Royal Institute of British Architects—serving from its founding in 1834 until his death. He was also the inaugural president of the Royal Architectural Museum. Additionally, he was a fellow of the Royal Society from 1841 and a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. He participated in the commission for the rebuilding of Buckingham Palace in 1848.

He made architectural contributions to Wrest Park, reconstructing it in the French style between 1833 and 1839, and redesigned the deer park with added statues and decoration. His London residence at No. 4 St James's Square, now the Naval & Military Club, was remodeled during his lifetime.

Marriage and Children:

In 1805, he married Lady Henrietta Cole, daughter of William Cole, 1st Earl of Enniskillen. They had two daughters:

- Lady Anne Florence de Grey, who became Countess Cowper and inherited Wrest Park as well as her father's title of Baroness Lucas.

- Lady Mary Gertrude de Grey, who married Henry Vyner and inherited Newby Hall.

Succession:

Upon his death in 1859, his daughter Lady Anne Florence de Grey inherited the titles of Baroness Lucas and the estate of Wrest Park. His remaining titles, not inheritable by a female, passed to his nephew, George Robinson, 1st Marquess of Ripon, who became the 2nd Earl of Ripon.

Overall, Thomas de Grey's life encompassed significant inheritance, public service, architectural prominence, and familial alliances through marriage.