Mary Robinson, Lady Grantham

Mary Jemima Yorke, also known as Mary Jemima Grey, was born on 9 February 1757 and died on 7 January 1830. She was a British peeress, daughter of Jemima Campbell, 2nd Marchioness Grey, and Philip Yorke, 2nd Earl of Hardwicke. She was the youngest of two children; her elder sister was Amabel Yorke, 1st Countess de Grey.

Mary Jemima Yorke received a private education at Wrest. Her family relationships included a close correspondence with her mother, Jemima Campbell.

On 17 August 1780, she married Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron Grantham, at her parents' residence in St James's Square. Despite initial financial concerns related to Lord Grantham's limited savings aside from his salary, Mary Jemima proceeded with the marriage. The union produced three sons: Thomas de Grey, born Thomas Philip Robinson on 8 December 1781, who later became the 2nd Earl de Grey; Frederick John Robinson, born 1 November 1782, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1827 to 1828; and Philip, born in 1783, who died in infancy.

Her husband died on 20 July 1786 at age 47. Following his death, Mary Jemima became the administrator of the Robinson estate at Newby Park in Yorkshire and took responsibility for her sons’ education. She was involved directly in their early learning, often discussing topics such as diet, weaning, and education with her family members and advisors, including her brother-in-law Frederick Robinson and her mother. Correspondence indicates her focus on her children's upbringing and their preparatory education for future careers, particularly in politics.

Mary Jemima resided at various locations, including Newby Park, Grantham House in Putney, Wrest, and St James's Square. She also maintained close family connections with her sister Amabel, who was also widowed early. She exerted influence on her sons’ career decisions; for example, she was involved in Frederick Robinson's refusal of office in 1807.

In her later years, after her mother’s death on 10 January 1797, her status as an heiress was significant. Her mother’s death ended the Marchioness Grey title, and her sister Amabel inherited the Baron Lucas and became Countess de Grey. Since Amabel had no children, Mary Jemima was the heiress presumptive for these titles, but she predeceased her sister, resulting in her titles passing to her eldest son, Thomas.

Mary Jemima Yorke died at Whitehall at the age of 72.