Henry Grey, 1st Earl of Stamford
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Henry Grey, 1st Earl of Stamford (c. 1599 - August 21, 1673), eldest son of Sir John Grey, succeeded his grandfather, Henry Grey, as Baron Grey of Groby in July 1614.
He married Anne, daughter of William Cecil, 2nd Earl of Exeter, the heiress of the borough and manor of Stamford, and in March 1628 was created earl of Stamford. Just before the outbreak of the Civil War he ranged himself definitely among the king's opponents, and was made lord-lieutenant of Leicestershire. After some operations around Leicester he occupied Hereford, and, when compelled to abandon the city, marched into Cornwall.
At Stratton, on May 16, 1643, his troops were beaten by the Royalists; driven into Exeter, Stamford was forced to surrender this city after a siege of three months. The earl, who was certainly no general, was charged with cowardice, and took no further part in the military operations of the war, although once or twice he was employed on other business.
The ravages of the Royalists had reduced him to poverty, and, distrusted by the House of Commons, he had great difficulty in getting any compensation from parliament. After a period of retirement Stamford declared for Charles II during a rising in August 1659, and was arrested, but was soon released. He died on the 21st of August 1673. One of his Sons was Anchitell Grey (d. 1702), the compiler of the Debates of the House of Commons, 1667-1694 (10 vols. 1769). His eldest son, Thomas, Lord Grey of Groby was member of parliament for Leicester.
Preceded by: Henry Grey | Baron Grey of Groby | Thomas Grey |
Preceded by: New creation | Earl of Stamford |