He married, in 1762, Elizabeth, daughter of
George Grey, Esq. of Southwick, in Durham, (of a different family,) by
whom he had five sons and two daughters. He was created Lord Grey of
Howick, in 1801; and Viscount Howick, and Earl Grey, in 1806. He died in
the following year, and was succeeded by his son, Charles, second and
present earl.
Mr. Grey was born March 13, 1764, and educated at Eton, in the same class
with the late Mr. Lambton, (father of the present Lord Durham,) Mr.
Whitbread, and others, with whom he afterwards acted in political life. He
was then sent to King's College, Cambridge, where he displayed first-rate
abilities. On his leaving the University, he set out on the tour of Europe,
though only eighteen years of age. In Italy, he was introduced to the late
Duke of Cumberland, in whose household he obtained an appointment. He
returned to England in 1786, and soon after his arrival, was, by the
interest of his family, returned to parliament for the county of
Northumberland, when he joined the Whigs, it has been stated, to the
surprise of his family, whose principles were those of Toryism.
At a subsequent general election, as an expensive contest was expected for
Northumberland, Mr. Grey declined nomination, and was returned to
parliament for Appleby, which borough he represented till his succession
to the peerage. In the House of Commons his great talents soon shone forth;
and, in conjunction with Fox, Sheridan, Lambton, Ponsonby, and others, he
maintained an intrepid opposition to the doctrines of that darling of fame,
Mr.
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