Born: 13 March 1764 in Falloden, Northumberland
First entered Parliament: 6 July 1786
Age he became PM: 66 years, 254 days
Maiden speech: 21 February 1787 speaking against the Free Trade Treaty recently negotiated with the French
Total time as PM: Three years, 229 days
Died: 17 July 1845 Howick Hall, Northumberland
Facts and figures
Education: Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge
Family: Grey was the second son of nine children. He was married to Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby, and had seven daughters (one illegitimate) and ten sons
Interests: Being in the countryside, dogs, cribbage
Biography
Great reformist
A firmly Whig politician, Earl Grey oversaw four years of political reform that had enormous impact on the development of democracy in Britain.
Earl Grey’s political experience before becoming the Prime Minister was limited.
He first took office briefly under Grenville in 1806, but it was nearly a quarter of a century before he returned to office as PM.
Earl Grey’s most remarkable achievement was the Reform Act of 1832, which set in train a gradual process of electoral change.
Indeed, it sowed the seeds of the system we recognise today.
Around 130 years of parliamentary reform began with this act and culminated in universal suffrage for men and women over 18, secret ballots and legitimate constituencies.
The battle to pass the historic act was a difficult one.
Grey resigned after the Lords rejected it, although he returned to office when Wellington found himself unable to form an administration.
Wellington then consented, and Grey was able to push the bill through.
Other reforming measures included restrictions on the employment of children, and the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1833.
Best-known for tea
One of Grey’s other legacies is the blend of tea known as Earl Grey. He reputedly received a gift, probably a diplomatic present, of tea that was flavored with bergamot oil.
It became so popular that Grey asked British tea merchants to recreate it.
After resigning in 1834, Grey did not linger in politics. He was greatly attached to his family, and he retired from the limelight to spend his remaining years with them.
He was said to be ‘tall, slim and strikingly handsome’ although in later years he went bald and wore spectacles.
Quote unquote
“The only way with newspaper attacks is, as the Irish say, ‘to keep never minding’. This has been my practice through life.”
Did you know?
He is commemorated by a statue - known as Grey’s Monument - in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Wife
Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby married the Earl aged 18. Over the next 24 years she remarkably had 16 children yet remained ‘cheerful and good-humoured’ and was devoted to her family. Letters left to her estate show that she had a keen interest in politics and current affairs.
