Laurence Peel

Laurence Peel was born on 28 June 1801 and died on 10 December 1888. He was a British politician associated with the Tory party and was the younger brother of Sir Robert Peel, the British Prime Minister. Peel was the sixth son of Sir Robert Peel, 1st Baronet, and Ellen Yates. His family background included notable industrialists and politicians; his father was a wealthy textile manufacturer and a Member of Parliament representing Tamworth, known for his support of William Pitt the Younger. Peel's grandfather was Robert Peel, and his great-grandfather was William Peel, both considered yeomen.

Peel received his early education at Rugby School and later attended Christ Church, Oxford. During his time at Oxford, he maintained a close friendship with Henry Edward Fox, son of Lord Holland. After completing his studies in March 1822, his elder brother Robert Peel, who had recently become Home Secretary, appointed Laurence as his unpaid private secretary.

In 1827, Peel was elected to the House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for Cockermouth, serving until 1830. He was described as an undistinguished parliamentarian, with no record of speeches in debate. His voting record included opposition to Catholic relief and support for the spring guns bill on 23 March 1827.

Following his departure from Parliament in 1830, Peel and his wife focused on charitable and religious initiatives. His brother Robert Peel became Prime Minister in 1841.

Peel married Lady Jane Lennox on 20 July 1822. She was the daughter of the Duke of Richmond and Lady Charlotte Gordon, sister and heiress of George Gordon, 5th Duke of Gordon. The marriage produced four sons and two daughters. Their children included Lawrence Charles Lennox Peel, who served as Clerk of the Privy Council; Arthur Lennox Peel; Alfred Lennox Peel; Cecil Lennox Peel; Olivia Jane Lennox Peel; and Constance Augusta Lennox Gordon. Lady Jane Peel died on 27 March 1861.

Peel's personal life included speculation that he engaged in flirtations with homosexuality during his time at Oxford, though details remain unconfirmed.

In terms of inheritance, upon marriage, Peel's father allocated an annual income of £2,000, with additional provisions upon Peel reaching the age of 25. In 1826, Peel gained entitlement to a substantial portion of his inheritance, totaling £60,000 from the estate. Financial difficulties arose when Peel, who was ill at the time and recovering in Tunbridge Wells, overspent on a large London residence at 11 Connaught Place, prompting his brother Robert to extend financial assistance. As part of his marriage settlement, Peel's inheritance was structured to provide him with £2,000 annually, control over a portion of his estate, and the removal of the large residence. Upon their father's death in 1830, Laurence received the remaining inheritance totaling approximately £135,000, sharing the estate with his four brothers, though the majority was inherited by Robert Peel.

Laurence Peel died at his residence at 32 Sussex Square, Brighton. He was known to have made arrangements for the financial support of his children prior to his death.