Peregrine Bertie, 2nd Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven, English politician, Lord Great Chamberlain (d. 1742)

Peregrine Bertie, a distinguished figure in British politics and aristocracy, held the title of the 2nd Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven. His life spanned from 29 April 1686 to 1 January 1742, a period of significant transformation in Great Britain following the Glorious Revolution and the dawn of the Georgian era. Bertie's career was marked by a progression through various esteemed titles and a notable presence in both chambers of the British Parliament, underscoring his family's enduring influence and his own commitment to public service during a dynamic period in the nation's history.

Early Life and Successive Noble Titles

Born into one of England's most ancient and prominent noble families, Peregrine Bertie's journey through the peerage began at birth. Initially styled The Honourable Peregrine Bertie from 1686 until 1704, this title reflected his status as the younger son of a peer, specifically Robert Bertie, who would later become the 1st Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven. As he matured and his father's standing evolved, so did his own designation. In 1704, upon his father's elevation in the peerage, Peregrine assumed the courtesy title of Lord Willoughby de Eresby. This was a particularly significant style, as the Barony of Willoughby de Eresby was a very old peerage, often held by the heir apparent to the Ancaster dukedom and carrying with it the prestigious hereditary office of Lord Great Chamberlain. His final courtesy title before inheriting the dukedom was Marquess of Lindsey, which he bore from 1715 until 1723. This title, like the Dukedom of Ancaster itself, was relatively new, having been created for his father in 1706 and serving as a subsidiary title of the dukedom, again marking him as the direct heir.

A Political Career in Parliament

Peregrine Bertie dedicated a considerable part of his life to parliamentary service, an expected path for individuals of his rank and standing in 18th-century Britain. His political career commenced in 1708 when he was elected to the House of Commons. During his tenure as a Member of Parliament, which lasted until 1715, he would have represented the interests of his constituency, likely Lincolnshire given his family's strong ties to the region, and participated in the legislative debates of the day. This period was a crucial time in British politics, witnessing the tail end of the War of the Spanish Succession and the establishment of the Hanoverian succession, laying the groundwork for the Whig supremacy under figures like Sir Robert Walpole. In 1715, a significant transition occurred in his political life: he was called to the House of Lords. This was not due to an electoral victory but rather by virtue of inheriting the ancient Barony of Willoughby de Eresby from his father, which granted him an automatic seat in the upper chamber of Parliament. This elevation marked a shift from the elected Commons to the hereditary Lords, where he would continue to serve as a voice for the aristocracy until his death.

The Dukedom of Ancaster and Kesteven

The Bertie family's rise to ducal status was relatively recent at the time of Peregrine Bertie's birth. His father, Robert Bertie, 1st Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven, was created a Duke in 1715. Upon his father's passing in 1723, Peregrine Bertie naturally inherited these elevated titles, becoming the 2nd Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven. As Duke, he held a prominent position in society, acting as one of the leading noblemen in the kingdom. The dukedom was associated with significant landholdings, particularly in Lincolnshire, and brought with it considerable social and political influence, including the aforementioned hereditary office of Lord Great Chamberlain, a ceremonial role of high importance within the British court.

FAQs About Peregrine Bertie, 2nd Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven

What were Peregrine Bertie's full dates of birth and death?
Peregrine Bertie was born on 29 April 1686 and passed away on 1 January 1742.
Why did his style of address change multiple times?
His style changed in accordance with his father's evolving peerage titles and his own position as heir apparent. "The Honourable" was for a younger son of a peer, "Lord Willoughby de Eresby" and "Marquess of Lindsey" were courtesy titles used by the eldest son and heir of a higher-ranking peer, specifically the Duke of Ancaster.
What was the significance of being "called to the House of Lords" in 1715?
Being "called to the House of Lords" in 1715 meant he inherited a peerage (the Barony of Willoughby de Eresby) from his father, which automatically granted him a seat in the House of Lords, moving him from the elected House of Commons to the hereditary upper chamber.
What political period did he live through?
Peregrine Bertie lived during a significant period in British history, encompassing the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution, the War of the Spanish Succession, the establishment of the Hanoverian dynasty, and the early years of Whig dominance under figures like Sir Robert Walpole.
What distinguished the Dukedom of Ancaster and Kesteven?
The Dukedom of Ancaster and Kesteven was a relatively new creation, established in 1715 for his father. It was associated with vast estates in Lincolnshire and carried the hereditary office of Lord Great Chamberlain, a prestigious ceremonial role at coronations and state openings of Parliament.