Sarah Greville
Husband
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Sarah Greville 1
Born: 29 May 1672 - Brooke, Wilts, England 1
Christened:
Died: BET. 1 JAN 1717/18 - 1720 - Sp 1
Buried:
Father: Fulke Greville Baron Brooke (1643-1711) 1
Mother: Sarah Dashwood Baroness Brooke (1645-1705) 1
General Notes (Wife)
[royalty.ged]
SLGC 23 JUN 66 SL
William Harris and Mary Greville (Grevell)
Husband William Harris 1
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage: 11 Sep 1553 1
Wife Mary Greville (Grevell) 1
Born: Abt 1532 - Of Milcote, Warwickshire, England 1
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Fulke Greville (Abt 1515-1559) 1
Mother: Elizabeth Willoughby (1500-1562) 1
General Notes (Wife)
[royalty.ged]
NAME Mary /GREVILLE (GREVELL)/
SLGC 3 NOV 65 SL
Charles Grevis and Elizabeth James
Husband Charles Grevis (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Elizabeth James (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Demetrius James
Mother: Anne Mathews
Children
1 M Demetrius Grevis James (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Albert Henry George Grey and Alice Holford
Husband Albert Henry George Grey 2
Born: 28 Nov 1851
Christened:
Died: 29 Aug 1917
Buried:
Father: Charles Grey General (1804-1870) 2
Mother: Caroline Eliza Farquhar ( -1890) 2
Marriage: 9 Jun 1877
Wife Alice Holford 2
Born:
Christened:
Died: 22 Sep 1944
Buried:
Father: Robert Staynor Holford Mp ( - ) 2
Mother:
Children
1 F Victoria Sybil Mary Grey 2
Born: 9 Jun 1878
Christened:
Died: 3 Feb 1907
Buried:
Spouse: Arthur Morton Grenfell Col. (1873- ) 2 3
Marr: 23 Jul 1901
John Knyvett and Alice Grey
Husband John Knyvett
Born: Abt 1412 - Buckenham Castle, Norfolk, England
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: John Knyvett (Abt 1383-1441)
Mother: Elizabeth Clifton (Abt 1387- )
Marriage:
Wife Alice Grey
Born: Abt 1415 - Buckenham Castle, Norfolk, England
Christened:
Died: 4 Apr 1474
Buried:
Father: John Grey Sir K.G. (Abt 1384-1439) 2 3
Mother: Constance Holland (1387-1437) 2 3
Children
1 M Edmund Knyvett
Born: Abt 1462 - England
Christened:
Died: 1528 - England
Buried:
Spouse: Eleanor Tyrrell (Abt 1466- )
Marr: Abt 1481
James Grove and Anne Grey
Husband James Grove (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Anne Grey (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Thomas Grey Lord Grey ( - ) 2 3
Mother: Dorothy Bourchier ( - ) 2 3
Children
1 F Troth Grove (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
John Grey Lord Grey and Anne Grey Lady
Husband John Grey Lord Grey 2 3
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1498
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Anne Grey Lady 2 3
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Edmund Grey 4th Lord Grey ( - ) 2 3
Mother: Katherine Percy Lady ( - ) 2 3
Children
1 M Edmund Grey 9th Lord Grey 2 3
Born: Abt 1460 - Wilton, Herefordshire
Christened:
Died: 5 May 1511
Buried:
Spouse: Florence Hastings (Abt 1463-After 1511) 2 3
Marr: Bef May 1505
Spouse: Elizabeth Herbert (Abt 1469-1515) 2 3
Thomas Ogle and Bel Grey
Husband Thomas Ogle 1
Born: 1541 - Of Lorbottle 1
Christened:
Died: Bef 6 Oct 1581 1
Buried:
Father: Robert Ogle (1527-1545) 1
Mother: Jane Radcliffe (Abt 1527- ) 1
Marriage:
Wife Bel Grey 1
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Caroline Maria Agnes Robinahamilton Grey
Husband
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Caroline Maria Agnes Robinahamilton Grey (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: John Hamilton Gray Rev
Mother: Elizabeth Caroline Johnstone
Samuel Oin Roper and Carolyn Grey
Husband Samuel Oin Roper 4
Born: 16 Sep 1872 - , Lake, TN
Christened:
Died: 25 Mar 1915 - Sikeston, Scott, MO
Buried:
Father: James Edwin Roper (1837-Bef 1893) 4
Mother: Georgian McCracken (1848-Bef 1893) 4
Marriage: Bef 1914 - Sikeston, Scott, MO
Wife Carolyn Grey 4
Born: 29 Jan 1886 - Tiptonville, Lake, TN
Christened:
Died: 11 Jan 1929 - Sikeston, Scott, MO
Buried:
Other Spouse: Joseph Almazar Roper (1876-1909) 4
Children
1 M Armin Ercell Roper (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Dorothy Mae Gilles (1913-1991) 4
General Notes (Husband)
Death: T.B.
General Notes (Wife)
Nickname: Carrie
Illness: at the State Sanitarium at Mr. Vernon MO with T.B.
Joseph Almazar Roper and Carolyn Grey
Husband Joseph Almazar Roper 4
Born: 23 Aug 1876 - , Lake, TN
Christened:
Died: Oct 1909 - , Hickman, KY
Buried:
Father: James Edwin Roper (1837-Bef 1893) 4
Mother: Georgian McCracken (1848-Bef 1893) 4
Marriage:
Wife Carolyn Grey 4
Born: 29 Jan 1886 - Tiptonville, Lake, TN
Christened:
Died: 11 Jan 1929 - Sikeston, Scott, MO
Buried:
Other Spouse: Samuel Oin Roper (1872-1915) 4 - Bef 1914 - Sikeston, Scott, MO
Children
1 M James Wyatt Roper 4
Born: 21 Sep 1907 - Sikeston, Scott, MO
Christened:
Died: 18 Aug 1952 - Phillips, Hutchinson, TX
Buried:
Spouse: Alberta Cesira Arbrum (living)
General Notes (Wife)
Nickname: Carrie
Illness: at the State Sanitarium at Mr. Vernon MO with T.B.
General Notes for Child James Wyatt Roper
Death: coronary thrombosis
Job: cook; Phillips Pet. Co., Borger, TX
William Whorwood and Cassandra Grey
Husband William Whorwood 2
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Gerrard Whorwood ( - ) 2
Mother:
Marriage:
Wife Cassandra Grey 2
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Edward Grey Sir ( - ) 2
Mother:
Children
1 F Margaret Whorwood 2
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Thomas Throckmorton ( -1614) 2
2 F Anne Whorwood 2 3 5
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1552 - Otford, Kent 5
Buried:
Spouse: Ambrose Dudley Earl Of Warwick (Abt 1528-1590) 1 2 5
Marr: Bef 4 Mar 1545
Spouse: Samuel Marrow ( -1635) 2 3
General Notes (Husband)
1 UPDA 2 PLAC Attorney General
Henry Herbert 2nd Earl and Catherine Grey Lady
Husband Henry Herbert 2nd Earl 1 2 3 5
Born:
Christened:
Died: 19 Jan 1601
Buried:
Father: William Herbert 1st Earl (1506-1570) 1 2 3
Mother: Anne Parr Countess (1529-1551) 1 2 3 6 7
Marriage: 25 May 1553 - (Divorced) 1 8
Other Spouse: Catherine Talbot (Abt 1542-1576) 1 2 3 - 17 Feb 1562-1563 - Baynard's Castle, London, Middlesex, England 1 8
Other Spouse: Mary Sydney (1561-1621) 1 2 3 - 21 Apr 1577 - Of Ticknell-By B 1
Wife Catherine Grey Lady 1 2 3 5 7 9 10
AKA: Katharine Grey
Born: Abt 1539 - Dorset House, Westminster, Middlesex, England 1 7 11
Christened:
Died: Abt 1568 - Cockfield Hall, Yoxford, Suffolk, England 1 5 6 7
Buried: 21 Feb 1567-1568 - Yoxford, Suffolk, England 1
AFN: 9FDM-WP
Father: Henry Grey Duke Of Suffolk (1516-1553) 1 2 3 5 9
Mother: Duchess Frances Brandon Of Suffolk (1517-1559) 1 2 3 5 9
Other Spouse: Edward Seymour Earl Of Hertford (1537-1621) 1 2 3 5 7 - (Annulled) 1 7
Noted events in her life were:
• Alt. Death 1, 1565
General Notes (Husband)
[royalty.ged]
MARR PLAC Of Ticknell-By Bewdley In Marches Of Wales
General Notes (Wife)
1 NAME Catherine //
Notes (Marriage)
2 PLAC Marriage disolved
Edward Seymour Earl Of Hertford and Catherine Grey Lady
Husband Edward Seymour Earl Of Hertford 1 2 3 5 7
Born: 12 Oct 1537 - Of, Chapelchesterplc, England 1 7 11
Christened:
Died: 6 Apr 1621 - , Netley, Hampshire, England 1 7
Buried: - Cathedral, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England 1 7
AFN: 9FD9-ZN
Father: Edward Seymour Duke Of Somerset (Abt 1513-1552) 1 2 3 5
Mother: Anne Stanhope (Abt 1500-1587) 1 2 3 5
Marriage: Abt 1560 - Hertford House, Westminster, Middlesex, England (Annulled) 1 7
Other Spouse: Frances Howard ( -1598) 1 2 3 5 - 27 May 1601 - His House, Westminster, Middlesex, England 1
Noted events in his life were:
• Baptism 12, Chapel, Beauchamp Place
Wife Catherine Grey Lady 1 2 3 5 7 9 10
AKA: Katharine Grey
Born: Abt 1539 - Dorset House, Westminster, Middlesex, England 1 7 11
Christened:
Died: Abt 1568 - Cockfield Hall, Yoxford, Suffolk, England 1 5 6 7
Buried: 21 Feb 1567-1568 - Yoxford, Suffolk, England 1
AFN: 9FDM-WP
Father: Henry Grey Duke Of Suffolk (1516-1553) 1 2 3 5 9
Mother: Duchess Frances Brandon Of Suffolk (1517-1559) 1 2 3 5 9
Other Spouse: Henry Herbert 2nd Earl ( -1601) 1 2 3 5 - (Divorced) 1 8
Noted events in her life were:
• Alt. Death 1, 1565
Noted events in their marriage were:
• Annulled, Annulled, 1651
Children
1 M Edward Beauchamp Seymour Lord 1 2 3 5 7
AKA: Edward Seymour, Edward Seymour
Born: 21 Sep 1561 - Of, Tower Of London, London, England 1 11
Christened: 26 Sep 1561 - Of, St Peter's, England 1
Died: 21 Jul 1612 5 11
Buried: - Bedwyn Magna, Wiltshire 1
AFN: 97BK-WS
Spouse: Honora Rogers (Abt 1545-After 1608) 1 2 3 5 7
Marr: Bef 1 Jul 1582 1
Spouse: Elizabeth Champernowne ( - ) 2 3
Marr: 1576 6
2 F Katherine Seymour 1 7
AKA: Katherine Seymour
Born: Abt 1565 1
Christened:
Died: - Died Young 1 7
Buried:
AFN: 9G1P-7G
3 M Thomas Seymour 1 2 3 5 7
AKA: Thomas Seymour
Born: 11 Feb 1562-1563 - Of, Tower Of London, Middlesexshire, England 1
Christened:
Died: 1600 5
Buried: - St Margaret's, Westminster, Middlesexshire, England 1
AFN: 9G1P-69
Spouse: Isabel Onley ( - ) 1 2 3 5
General Notes (Husband)
[royalty.ged]
TITL [Earl of Hertford]
General Notes (Wife)
1 NAME Catherine //
Lancelot Ogle and Catherine Grey
Husband Lancelot Ogle 2
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Catherine Grey 2
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Thomas Grey Sir ( - ) 2
Mother: Dorothy Ogle (1541- ) 2
Children
1 M Oliver Ogle 2
Born: 1545 - Of Burradon, Earsdon Parish, Northumberl
Christened:
Died: 26 Oct 1616
Buried: 27 Oct 1616 - Earsdon Church, Earsdon, Northumberland
Spouse: Magdalen Mitford (Abt 1554- ) 2
General Notes for Child Oliver Ogle
21-1565)
Charles Grey Mp and Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby
Husband Charles Grey Mp 2
Born: 13 Mar 1764 - Fallodon
Christened:
Died: 17 Jul 1845
Buried:
Father: Charles Grey [Earl Grey] (1729-1807) 1 2
Mother: Elizabeth Grey (1744-1822) 1 2
Marriage: 18 Nov 1794
Wife Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby 2
Born:
Christened:
Died: 26 Nov 1861
Buried:
Children
1 M Charles Grey General 2
Born: 15 Mar 1804
Christened:
Died: 31 Mar 1870
Buried:
Spouse: Caroline Eliza Farquhar ( -1890) 2
Marr: 26 Jul 1836
2 F Louisa Elizabeth Grey 2
Born:
Christened:
Died: 26 Nov 1841
Buried:
Spouse: John George Lambton (1792-1840) 2
Marr: 9 Dec 1816
General Notes (Husband)
1 UPDA 2 DATE 1807 2 PLAC Acceded:
Charles Grey was born at Fallodon on 13th March 1764. His father, General Sir Charles Grey, was one of Britain most important military commanders. He was later granted the titles Viscount Howick and Earl Grey. After being educated at Winchester and King's College, Cambridge, Charles Grey toured Europe.
At the age of twenty-two Charles Grey he became the Member of Parliament for Northumberland. Although his father was a staunch Tory, Grey soon became a follower of Charles Fox, the leader of the Radical Whigs in the House of Commons. Like Fox, Grey disliked William Pitt and was a consistent critic of the British Prime Minister.
Grey did not agree with those who advocated universal suffrage but he did feel that there was a strong need to improve the parliamentary system in Britain. In April 1792, Grey joined with a group of pro-reform Whigs to form the Friends of the People. Three peers (Lord Porchester, Lord Lauderdale and Lord Buchan) and twenty-eight Whig MPs joined the group. Other leading members included Richard Sheridan, Major John Cartwright, Lord John Russell, George Tierney, Thomas Erskine and Samuel Whitbread. The main objective of the the society was to obtain "a more equal representation of the people in Parliament" and "to secure to the people a more frequent exercise of their right of electing their representatives". Charles Fox was opposed to the formation of this group as he feared it would lead to a split the Whig Party.
On 30th April 1792, Charles Grey introduced a petition in favour of constitutional reform. He argued that the reform of the parliamentary system would remove public complaints and "restore the tranquillity of the nation". He also stressed that the Friends of the People would not become involved in any activities that would "promote public disturbances". Although Charles Fox had refused to join the Friends of the People, in the debate that followed, he supported Grey's proposals. When the vote was taken, Grey's proposals were defeated by 256 to 91 votes.
On 6th May 1793, Charles Grey once again introduced a parliamentary reform bill. Grey argued that one of the basic principles established by the Glorious Revolution of 1688 was the freedom of elections to the House of Commons. Grey added that "a man ought not to be governed by laws, in the framing of which he had not a voice, either in person or by his representative, and that he ought not to be made to pay any tax to which he should not have consented in the same way." Grey also attacked William Pitt, the Prime Minister, for the way that he exploited the present system. Grey pointed out that Pitt had created 30 new peers who nominated or indirectly influenced the return of a total of 40 MPs.
Charles Fox and Richard Sheridan supported Grey in the debate that followed. Robert Jenkinson and Lord Mornington, spoke against. So also did William Pitt who argued that any reform at this time would give encouragement to the Radicals in Britain who were supporting the French Revolution. When the vote was taken, Grey's proposals were defeated by 282 to 41. Members of the Friends of the People now realised they had no chance of persuading the House of Commons to accept parliamentary reform and the group disbanded.
In 1794 Charles Grey spoke against the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act and the following year he opposed the Seditious Meetings Bill. Frustrated by Pitt's refusal to consider parliamentary reform, Charles Grey decided to stop attending debates at the House of Commons. After a three year absence Grey returned in 1800 to oppose the Act of Union with Ireland.
In April 1803 Henry Addington offered Grey a place in his coalition government he refused with the comment that he would not take office without Charles Fox. When Fox entered the cabinet in January 1806, Grey joined him as first Lord of the Admiralty.
After the death of Charles Fox on 13th September, 1806, Charles Grey became leader of the Whig section of the government. Grey now became Foreign Secretary and leader of the House of Commons and was responsible for the act abolishing the African Slave Trade. In March 1807 George III ordered Lord Grenville's government not to introduce any more controversial measures. Grenville's government believed this instruction was unconstitutional and they resigned.
Charles Grey's father died on 16th November 1807. He now inherited his father's title and moved to the House of Lords. Although he was no longer in the House of Commons Earl Grey continued to play an active role in politics. He took part in the campaign for Catholic Emancipation and changes in the parliamentary system but was unsuccessful in persuading Lord Liverpool and his Tory government to introduce reforms. Grey opposed the renewal of war with France in 1815 and denounced the Gagging Acts imposed in 1817.
In June 1830 Earl Grey made an impressive speech on the need for parliamentary reform. The Duke of Wellington, the prime minister and leader of the Tories in Parliament, replied that the "existing system of representation was as near perfection as possible". It was now clear that the Tories would be unwilling to change the electoral system and that if people wanted reform they had to give their support to the Whigs.
On 15th November, 1830 Wellington's government was defeated in a vote in the House of Commons. The new king, William IV, was more sympathetic to reform than his predecessor and decided to ask Earl Grey to form a government. As soon as Grey became prime minister he formed a cabinet committee to produce a plan for parliamentary reform. Details of the proposals were announced on 3rd February 1831. The bill was passed by the House of Commons by a majority of 136, but despite a powerful speech by Earl Grey, the bill was defeated in the House of Lords by forty-one.
The defeat of the Reform Act resulted in Earl Grey calling a general election. The Whigs were popular with the electorate and after the election they had a larger majority than before in the House of Commons. A second reform bill was also defeated in the House of Lords. When people heard the news, riots took place in several British towns. Nottingham Castle was burnt down and in Bristol the Mansion House was set on fire.
In 1832 Earl Grey tried again but the House of Lords refused to pass the bill. Grey now appealed to William IV for help. He agreed to Grey's request to create a large number of new Whig peers. When the Lords heard the news, they agreed to pass the Reform Act. On 7th June the Bill received the Royal Assent and large crowds celebrated in the streets of Britain.
Earl Grey now called another general election and in the new reformed House of Commons, Grey had a majority of over a hundred. The Whigs were now able to introduce and pass a series of reforming measures. This included an act for the abolition of slavery in the colonies and the 1833 Factory Act. After the passing of the 1834 Poor Law Earl Grey decided to resign from office. Charles Grey died on 17th July, 1845.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A) James Grant, Random Collections of the House of Lords (1836)
The name of Earl Grey is one which is, without question, destined to be better known by posterity than of any other statesman of the present day. The zeal and energy with which, in early life, he expoused those liberal principles of Reform which he afterwards not only lived to see triumphant, but whose triumph was chiefly brought about by his own instrumentality. He was the author of that great measure, and the Minister under whose auspices it was triumphantly carried through both Houses of Parliament, in defiance of a most decided and powerful opposition, that gives him that commanding station which he now occupies in the eyes of the country, and which his memory will inevitably occupy in the eyes of future ages.
(B) Lord Hatherton, E. J. Littleton, Chief Secretary for Ireland under Earl Grey, diary entry on the death of Earl Grey.
Lord Grey's death has long been expected - he was 82 - the uncompromising friend of Fox in the height of revolutionary madness in France. He gradually mellowed down into Conservative Whiggism, as years and experience advanced: and died as much a Conservative as Peel himself.
Lord Grey's carriage was aristocratic and lofty in the extreme. It was a fine thing to see him in his erect stature and graceful figure - and bald elevated forehead - on the floor of the House of Lords, delivering one of his great orations, which were always vigorously conceived, lucidly arranged, and given in fine classical language. He was generally in evening dress - black pantaloons (tight) and a white waistcoat, with Blue Ribbon and Garter.
(C) Mrs Arbuthnot's Journal (29th November, 1830)
I earnestly hope this government will not last and I don't expect it, for they are a most heterogeneous mass of persons taken from all parties and have made some most extraordinary appointments. Lord Grey has given good places to his son, his three sons-in-law, three brothers-in-law, besides nephews; has made two merchants, one Secretary to the Treasury and the other Vice-President of the Board of Trade. This is all quite new. No merchants were ever before put into financial situations, and certainly the Duke of Wellington did not crowd the offices with his sons and nephews.
General Notes (Wife)
1 UPDA 2 PLAC Daughter of 1st Lord Ponsonby
Daughter of 1st Lord Ponsonby of Imokilly.
Charles Grey and Katherine Skelly
Husband Charles Grey 2 3
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Katherine Skelly 2 3
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: John Skelly Rev ( - ) 2 3
Mother: Betty Gordon Lady ( - ) 2 3
Charles Grey [Earl Grey] and Elizabeth Grey
Husband Charles Grey [Earl Grey] 1 2
Born: 1729 - Howick 1
Christened:
Died: 1807 - Howick 1
Buried:
Father: Henry Grey Sir Baronet (1691-1749) 1 2
Mother: Hannah Wood (Abt 1693-1764) 1 2
Marriage: 8 Jun 1762
Noted events in his life were:
• Alt. Birth 1, Of Howick, Northumberland, England, Abt 1724
Wife Elizabeth Grey 1 2
Born: 1744 1
Christened:
Died: 1822 - Hertford Str Midx. 1
Buried:
Father: George Grey (1713-1746) 1 2
Mother: Elizabeth Ogle (Abt 1715- ) 1 2
Children
1 M Charles Grey Mp 2
Born: 13 Mar 1764 - Fallodon
Christened:
Died: 17 Jul 1845
Buried:
Spouse: Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby ( -1861) 2
Marr: 18 Nov 1794
2 M Earl Grey Charles 1
Born: Abt 1755 1
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby (Abt 1770- ) 1
3 M Henry George Grey Sir, Gen. 2
Born: 25 Oct 1766
Christened:
Died: 11 Jan 1845
Buried:
Spouse: Charlotte Des Voeux (1792-1882) 2
Marr: 20 Aug 1812
4 F Elizabeth Grey 1
Born: Abt 1760 1
Christened:
Died: Nov 1846 1
Buried:
Spouse: Samuel Whitbread ( - ) 1
Marr: 1789 1
5 M George Grey Bt. 1St 2
Born: 10 Oct 1767
Christened:
Died: 3 Oct 1828
Buried:
Spouse: Mary Whitbread ( -1858) 2
Marr: 18 Jun 1795
6 M Edward Grey Rt Rev. 2
Born: 25 Mar 1782
Christened:
Died: 24 Jul 1837
Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
1 UPDA 2 DATE 11 APR 1806 2 PLAC Acceded:
General Notes for Child Charles Grey Mp
1 UPDA 2 DATE 1807 2 PLAC Acceded:
Charles Grey was born at Fallodon on 13th March 1764. His father, General Sir Charles Grey, was one of Britain most important military commanders. He was later granted the titles Viscount Howick and Earl Grey. After being educated at Winchester and King's College, Cambridge, Charles Grey toured Europe.
At the age of twenty-two Charles Grey he became the Member of Parliament for Northumberland. Although his father was a staunch Tory, Grey soon became a follower of Charles Fox, the leader of the Radical Whigs in the House of Commons. Like Fox, Grey disliked William Pitt and was a consistent critic of the British Prime Minister.
Grey did not agree with those who advocated universal suffrage but he did feel that there was a strong need to improve the parliamentary system in Britain. In April 1792, Grey joined with a group of pro-reform Whigs to form the Friends of the People. Three peers (Lord Porchester, Lord Lauderdale and Lord Buchan) and twenty-eight Whig MPs joined the group. Other leading members included Richard Sheridan, Major John Cartwright, Lord John Russell, George Tierney, Thomas Erskine and Samuel Whitbread. The main objective of the the society was to obtain "a more equal representation of the people in Parliament" and "to secure to the people a more frequent exercise of their right of electing their representatives". Charles Fox was opposed to the formation of this group as he feared it would lead to a split the Whig Party.
On 30th April 1792, Charles Grey introduced a petition in favour of constitutional reform. He argued that the reform of the parliamentary system would remove public complaints and "restore the tranquillity of the nation". He also stressed that the Friends of the People would not become involved in any activities that would "promote public disturbances". Although Charles Fox had refused to join the Friends of the People, in the debate that followed, he supported Grey's proposals. When the vote was taken, Grey's proposals were defeated by 256 to 91 votes.
On 6th May 1793, Charles Grey once again introduced a parliamentary reform bill. Grey argued that one of the basic principles established by the Glorious Revolution of 1688 was the freedom of elections to the House of Commons. Grey added that "a man ought not to be governed by laws, in the framing of which he had not a voice, either in person or by his representative, and that he ought not to be made to pay any tax to which he should not have consented in the same way." Grey also attacked William Pitt, the Prime Minister, for the way that he exploited the present system. Grey pointed out that Pitt had created 30 new peers who nominated or indirectly influenced the return of a total of 40 MPs.
Charles Fox and Richard Sheridan supported Grey in the debate that followed. Robert Jenkinson and Lord Mornington, spoke against. So also did William Pitt who argued that any reform at this time would give encouragement to the Radicals in Britain who were supporting the French Revolution. When the vote was taken, Grey's proposals were defeated by 282 to 41. Members of the Friends of the People now realised they had no chance of persuading the House of Commons to accept parliamentary reform and the group disbanded.
In 1794 Charles Grey spoke against the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act and the following year he opposed the Seditious Meetings Bill. Frustrated by Pitt's refusal to consider parliamentary reform, Charles Grey decided to stop attending debates at the House of Commons. After a three year absence Grey returned in 1800 to oppose the Act of Union with Ireland.
In April 1803 Henry Addington offered Grey a place in his coalition government he refused with the comment that he would not take office without Charles Fox. When Fox entered the cabinet in January 1806, Grey joined him as first Lord of the Admiralty.
After the death of Charles Fox on 13th September, 1806, Charles Grey became leader of the Whig section of the government. Grey now became Foreign Secretary and leader of the House of Commons and was responsible for the act abolishing the African Slave Trade. In March 1807 George III ordered Lord Grenville's government not to introduce any more controversial measures. Grenville's government believed this instruction was unconstitutional and they resigned.
Charles Grey's father died on 16th November 1807. He now inherited his father's title and moved to the House of Lords. Although he was no longer in the House of Commons Earl Grey continued to play an active role in politics. He took part in the campaign for Catholic Emancipation and changes in the parliamentary system but was unsuccessful in persuading Lord Liverpool and his Tory government to introduce reforms. Grey opposed the renewal of war with France in 1815 and denounced the Gagging Acts imposed in 1817.
In June 1830 Earl Grey made an impressive speech on the need for parliamentary reform. The Duke of Wellington, the prime minister and leader of the Tories in Parliament, replied that the "existing system of representation was as near perfection as possible". It was now clear that the Tories would be unwilling to change the electoral system and that if people wanted reform they had to give their support to the Whigs.
On 15th November, 1830 Wellington's government was defeated in a vote in the House of Commons. The new king, William IV, was more sympathetic to reform than his predecessor and decided to ask Earl Grey to form a government. As soon as Grey became prime minister he formed a cabinet committee to produce a plan for parliamentary reform. Details of the proposals were announced on 3rd February 1831. The bill was passed by the House of Commons by a majority of 136, but despite a powerful speech by Earl Grey, the bill was defeated in the House of Lords by forty-one.
The defeat of the Reform Act resulted in Earl Grey calling a general election. The Whigs were popular with the electorate and after the election they had a larger majority than before in the House of Commons. A second reform bill was also defeated in the House of Lords. When people heard the news, riots took place in several British towns. Nottingham Castle was burnt down and in Bristol the Mansion House was set on fire.
In 1832 Earl Grey tried again but the House of Lords refused to pass the bill. Grey now appealed to William IV for help. He agreed to Grey's request to create a large number of new Whig peers. When the Lords heard the news, they agreed to pass the Reform Act. On 7th June the Bill received the Royal Assent and large crowds celebrated in the streets of Britain.
Earl Grey now called another general election and in the new reformed House of Commons, Grey had a majority of over a hundred. The Whigs were now able to introduce and pass a series of reforming measures. This included an act for the abolition of slavery in the colonies and the 1833 Factory Act. After the passing of the 1834 Poor Law Earl Grey decided to resign from office. Charles Grey died on 17th July, 1845.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A) James Grant, Random Collections of the House of Lords (1836)
The name of Earl Grey is one which is, without question, destined to be better known by posterity than of any other statesman of the present day. The zeal and energy with which, in early life, he expoused those liberal principles of Reform which he afterwards not only lived to see triumphant, but whose triumph was chiefly brought about by his own instrumentality. He was the author of that great measure, and the Minister under whose auspices it was triumphantly carried through both Houses of Parliament, in defiance of a most decided and powerful opposition, that gives him that commanding station which he now occupies in the eyes of the country, and which his memory will inevitably occupy in the eyes of future ages.
(B) Lord Hatherton, E. J. Littleton, Chief Secretary for Ireland under Earl Grey, diary entry on the death of Earl Grey.
Lord Grey's death has long been expected - he was 82 - the uncompromising friend of Fox in the height of revolutionary madness in France. He gradually mellowed down into Conservative Whiggism, as years and experience advanced: and died as much a Conservative as Peel himself.
Lord Grey's carriage was aristocratic and lofty in the extreme. It was a fine thing to see him in his erect stature and graceful figure - and bald elevated forehead - on the floor of the House of Lords, delivering one of his great orations, which were always vigorously conceived, lucidly arranged, and given in fine classical language. He was generally in evening dress - black pantaloons (tight) and a white waistcoat, with Blue Ribbon and Garter.
(C) Mrs Arbuthnot's Journal (29th November, 1830)
I earnestly hope this government will not last and I don't expect it, for they are a most heterogeneous mass of persons taken from all parties and have made some most extraordinary appointments. Lord Grey has given good places to his son, his three sons-in-law, three brothers-in-law, besides nephews; has made two merchants, one Secretary to the Treasury and the other Vice-President of the Board of Trade. This is all quite new. No merchants were ever before put into financial situations, and certainly the Duke of Wellington did not crowd the offices with his sons and nephews.
Charles Grey [General]
Husband Charles Grey [General] 1
Born: Abt 1783 1
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Earl Grey Charles (Abt 1755- ) 1
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby (Abt 1770- ) 1
Marriage:
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Chipchase Grey and Anne Robinson
Husband Chipchase Grey (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Anne Robinson (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Thomas Robinson
Mother: Margaret Ettrick
Children
1 M Thomas Robinson Grey Lieut Col Army (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Elizabeth Hogg (living)
John Sutton 7th Lord Dudley and Cicily Grey Lady
Husband John Sutton 7th Lord Dudley 2 3 9
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Edward Sutton 6th Lord Dudley ( -1530) 2 3 9
Mother: Cicily Willoughby ( - ) 9
Marriage:
Wife Cicily Grey Lady 2 3 9
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Thomas Grey Marquess Dorset (Bef 1461-1501) 1 2 3 5 9
Mother: Cicely Bonville (1461-1530) 1 2 3 9
Children
1 M Edward Sutton 8th Lord Dudley 2 3
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1586
Buried:
Spouse: Jane ( - ) 2 3
2 F Eleanor Sutton 9
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Henry Beaumont ( - ) 9
Darran Ferber Grey and Rhonda Lee Perdue
Husband Darran Ferber Grey (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Rhonda Lee Perdue (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Roger Dale Perdue
Mother: Jeanne Evelyn Epps
Children
1 M Darran Kyle Grey (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 F Lauran Brittany Grey (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Darran Kyle Grey
Husband Darran Kyle Grey (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Darran Ferber Grey
Mother: Rhonda Lee Perdue
Marriage:
Wife (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Edmund Grey 4th Lord Grey and Katherine Percy Lady
Husband Edmund Grey 4th Lord Grey 2 3
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: John Grey Sir K.G. (Abt 1384-1439) 2 3
Mother: Constance Holland (1387-1437) 2 3
Marriage:
Wife Katherine Percy Lady 2 3
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Earl Henry De Percy Of Northumberlland (1392-1455) 1 2 3 9
Mother: Eleanor Neville Countess Of Northumberlan (Abt 1407-1440) 1 2 3 7 9
Children
1 F Anne Grey Lady 2 3
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: John Grey Lord Grey ( -1498) 2 3
2 M George De Grey Earl Of Kent 2 3
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1504 6
Buried:
Spouse: Catherine Herbert ( - ) 2 3
General Notes (Husband)
1 UPDA 2 DATE 3 MAY 1465 2 PLAC Created Earl of Kent 2 SOUR S32
Lord Treasurer of England
General Notes (Wife)
1 NAME Catherine //
Edmund Grey 9th Lord Grey and Florence Hastings
Husband Edmund Grey 9th Lord Grey 2 3
Born: Abt 1460 - Wilton, Herefordshire
Christened:
Died: 5 May 1511
Buried:
Father: John Grey Lord Grey ( -1498) 2 3
Mother: Anne Grey Lady ( - ) 2 3
Marriage: Bef May 1505
Other Spouse: Elizabeth Herbert (Abt 1469-1515) 2 3
Noted events in his life were:
• Baptism, 3 Apr 1499
Wife Florence Hastings 2 3
Born: Abt 1463 - Harrowdon, Northamptonshire
Christened:
Died: After 15 May 1511
Buried:
Father: Ralph Hastings Sir (Abt 1435-Abt 1495) 2 3
Mother: Amie Tattershall (Abt 1439- ) 2 3
Children
1 F Elizabeth Grey [Baroness Chando 2 3 9
Born: Abt 1492 - Wilton On Wye, Herefordshire
Christened:
Died: 29 Dec 1559
Buried: 3 Jan 1560 - St Faith By St Paul, London, Middlesex
Spouse: John Burges [Lord Shandoyes] (1510-1557) 2 3 9
Marr: Abt 1539 - Of, Brydges Sollors, Herfordshire, England
2 M William Grey Lord Grey 2 3
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1562 6
Buried:
Spouse: Maria Somerset Lady ( - ) 2 3
General Notes for Child Elizabeth Grey [Baroness Chando
Copyrighted but use freely for your self and families Not to be sent to for profit company's
Edmund Grey 9th Lord Grey and Elizabeth Herbert
Husband Edmund Grey 9th Lord Grey 2 3
Born: Abt 1460 - Wilton, Herefordshire
Christened:
Died: 5 May 1511
Buried:
Father: John Grey Lord Grey ( -1498) 2 3
Mother: Anne Grey Lady ( - ) 2 3
Marriage:
Other Spouse: Florence Hastings (Abt 1463-After 1511) 2 3 - Bef May 1505
Noted events in his life were:
• Baptism, 3 Apr 1499
Wife Elizabeth Herbert 2 3
Born: Abt 1469 - Pembroke, Pembrokeshire
Christened:
Died: 15 Jan 1515
Buried:
Edward Grey and Joyce Whorwood
Husband Edward Grey 1
Born: 1472 - Of Whittington, Staffordshire, England 1
Christened:
Died: 14 Feb 1527-1528 1
Buried:
Father: Humphrey Grey (Abt 1445-1500) 1
Mother: Ann Fielding (Abt 1450- ) 1
Marriage: Abt 1498 - Of Whittington, Staffordshire, England 1
Wife Joyce Whorwood 1
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Edward Grey Rt Rev.
Husband Edward Grey Rt Rev. 2
Born: 25 Mar 1782
Christened:
Died: 24 Jul 1837
Buried:
Father: Charles Grey [Earl Grey] (1729-1807) 1 2
Mother: Elizabeth Grey (1744-1822) 1 2
Marriage:
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
1 M William Grey Sir 2
Born: 26 Mar 1818
Christened:
Died: 15 May 1878
Buried:
Spouse: Georgina Chicheley Plowden ( - ) 2
Marr: 26 Jan 1865
Edward Grey and Elizabeth Talbot
Husband Edward Grey 2
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Elizabeth Talbot 2
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: John Talbot (1426-1453) 2
Mother:
Children
1 F Elizabeth Grey 2 3 9
Born: Between 1460 and 1485
Christened:
Died: 1525
Buried:
Spouse: Edmund Dudley (1462-1510) 2 9
Marr: Between 1480 and 1506
Spouse: Arthur Plantagenet Viscount L'isle (1461-1542) 2 3
2 F Margaret Grey 2 3
Born:
Christened:
Died: Abt 1502
Buried:
Spouse: Edward Stafford (1470-1499) 2 3
Marr: 3 Jul 1494
General Notes for Child Elizabeth Grey
1 UPDA 2 DATE 1519 2 PLAC Acceded:
Edward Grey Sir
Husband Edward Grey Sir 2
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
1 F Cassandra Grey 2
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: William Whorwood ( - ) 2
General Notes (Husband)
1 UPDA 2 PLAC Acceded: Enville, Staffordshire
