Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 2nd Earl Of Minto

Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 2nd Earl of Minto, was born on 16 November 1782 and died on 31 July 1859. He was known until 1814 as Viscount Melgund. He was a British diplomat and a member of the Whig political party.

**Background and Education**

Minto was the eldest son of Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 1st Earl of Minto, and Anna Maria, the daughter of Sir George Amyand, 1st Baronet. His early education included studies at Eton College, followed by attendance at St John's College, Cambridge. He also studied at the University of Edinburgh.

**Diplomatic and Political Career**

In 1806, Minto was elected to Parliament representing Ashburton in Devon, a position he held until 1807. He later represented Roxburghshire from 1812 to 1814. During his political career, he was critical of the Prince Regent and his government. In 1814, upon succeeding his father as the Earl of Minto, he entered the House of Lords and thereby left the House of Commons.

He was admitted to the Privy Council in 1832. Between 1832 and 1834, he served as Minister to Prussia. In 1835, he was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty under Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, a position he held until 1841. Subsequently, from 1846 to 1852, he served as Lord Privy Seal under Prime Minister Lord John Russell.

In his youth, Elliot spent time in Corsica where his father was viceroy. During this period, he developed a lasting interest in Italy. In the years 1847–1848, he served as a special envoy to several European regions, including Switzerland, Sardinia, Tuscany, Rome, and Sicily.

**Family**

In 1806, Gilbert Elliot married Mary Brydone, daughter of Patrick Brydone. The couple had at least five sons and five daughters. Lady Minto died in July 1853, and Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound survived her until July 1859, when he died at the age of 75. His eldest son, William, succeeded him as the 3rd Earl of Minto.

His children included:

- Lady Charlotte (died 1899), who married Conservative Member of Parliament Melville Portal.

- Harriet Anne Gertrude (died 1855), who died young.

- William, 3rd Earl of Minto.

- Lady Mary Elizabeth, who married Ralph Abercromby, 2nd Baron Dunfermline.

- Frances Anna Maria (1815–1898), who married John Russell, later Prime Minister.

- Hon. George Francis (1822–1901), a barrister who died unmarried.

- Lady Elizabeth Amelia Jane (c. 1823–1892), who married Lt.-Col. Frederick Romilly.

- Lt.-Col. Hon. Gilbert (1826–1865), who married Katherine Anne Gilbert but had no children.

- Sir Henry Elliot, a diplomat.

- Sir Charles Elliot, an Admiral of the Fleet.

**References and External Links**

Further details about his parliamentary contributions can be found in the Hansard archives spanning from 1803 to 2005.