Charles Grey, 1st Earl Grey
|
|
Sir Charles Grey, 1st Earl Grey, K.B. (23rd October 1729–14th November 1807) was one of the most important British generals of the eighteenth century. He was the fourth son of Sir Henry Grey, Bt., of Howick in Northumberland.
Charles received his first military commission in 1744. During the American War of Independence he was one of the more successful army leaders, and was appointed commander-in-chief of the British troops in America. He could not take office, however, because the war ended.
In acknowledgment of his service, Grey was raised in January 1801 to the peerage as Baron Grey of Alnwick. In 1806 he was created Earl Grey and Viscount Howick. He died the next year, at the age of 78.
Charles Grey was the father of the British statesman and prime minister Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, after whom Earl Grey Tea is named. He was also an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales.
In 1762, Grey married Elizabeth Grey (before 1747-1822), the daughter of George Grey of Southwick (1713-1746).
| Preceded by: New creation | Earl Grey | Followed by: Charles Grey |