Thomas Grey, 2nd Earl of Stamford, English politician, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (b. 1654)

Thomas Grey, 2nd Earl of Stamford: A Prominent British Peer and Politician of the Late Stuart Era

Thomas Grey, 2nd Earl of Stamford, PC (circa 1654 – 31 January 1720), was a distinguished British peer and influential politician whose career spanned the tumultuous late 17th and early 18th centuries, a period marked by significant constitutional and dynastic changes in Britain. Born into a prominent aristocratic family, he inherited his esteemed title and considerable influence, which he leveraged in the political landscape of his time.

Early Life and Lineage

Thomas Grey was the only son of Thomas, Lord Grey of Groby. His mother was Lady Dorothy Bourchier, daughter of Edward Bourchier, 4th Earl of Bath, connecting him to another noble lineage. Due to the premature death of his father, Thomas Grey inherited the earldom of Stamford directly from his grandfather, Thomas Grey, 1st Earl of Stamford, upon the latter's death. This established him early as a key figure in the House of Lords and British society.

Engagement in Political Resistance and the Glorious Revolution

Grey emerged as a notable opponent of the increasingly autocratic reign of King James II. He actively resisted the monarch's arbitrary actions, which included attempts to expand royal prerogative, suspend laws, and promote Catholicism, leading to widespread dissent among the Protestant elite. For his perceived opposition, Grey was arrested in July 1685, highlighting the risks involved in challenging the Crown during this period. However, his commitment to Protestant constitutionalism remained steadfast. Following his release, he became an active supporter of William of Orange, taking up arms on his behalf during the pivotal Glorious Revolution of 1688. This revolutionary event led to the deposition of James II and the ascension of William and Mary to the throne, fundamentally altering the British monarchy's power dynamics.

Key Appointments and Whig Convictions

Upon William of Orange's accession, Thomas Grey's loyalty and political acumen were rewarded with significant appointments:

• Privy Counsellor (1694): As a member of the Privy Council, Grey joined an elite body of advisors to the monarch, playing a role in national governance and policy formulation.
• Lord Lieutenant of Devon (1696): This influential post made him the sovereign's principal representative in the county of Devon, responsible for local administration, law and order, and the county's militia.

Politically, Grey was consistently described as an "unrepentant Whig." This designation signified his adherence to the principles of the Whig party, which advocated for parliamentary supremacy, limited monarchy, religious toleration (for Protestants), and opposition to absolutism. His unwavering commitment to these tenets was starkly demonstrated by his vote against the motion to reverse the attainder on William Howard, 1st Viscount Stafford. Stafford had been condemned and executed based on fabricated evidence during the Popish Plot, a highly controversial anti-Catholic conspiracy theory of the late 1670s. By voting against the reversal, even years later, Grey reaffirmed his deep-seated anti-Catholic convictions and the enduring influence of the Popish Plot on Whig ideology.

Career in Government Offices

Thomas Grey held several high-ranking governmental positions throughout his career:

• Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1697): In this role, he was responsible for the administration of the Duchy of Lancaster, a private estate belonging to the reigning monarch.
• President of the Board of Trade (1699–1702): This significant office placed him at the head of the body responsible for overseeing colonial affairs and promoting British commerce. His tenure, however, was interrupted upon the accession of Queen Anne in 1702, as political alignments shifted and Tory influence grew, leading to his dismissal.
• President of the Board of Trade (1707–1711): Demonstrating his continued relevance and the cyclical nature of political power, Grey was reappointed to the Presidency of the Board of Trade during a period of renewed Whig dominance, particularly amidst the War of the Spanish Succession.

Personal Life and Succession

Thomas Grey was married twice. His first marriage was to Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Daniel Harvey, a distinguished diplomat who served as Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. This marriage, which occurred around 1682/1683, ended in divorce in 1691. Later that same year, in 1691, he married Mary, daughter of Joseph Maynard, who had served as a Member of Parliament in the Cavalier Parliament. This parliament was notable for its royalist majority following the Restoration of the Monarchy. Despite his two marriages, Thomas Grey, 2nd Earl of Stamford, died without surviving children on 31 January 1720.

Upon his death, his hereditary titles and the ancestral Leicestershire estate at Bradgate Park – a historic property with connections to Lady Jane Grey – passed to his first cousin, Henry Grey, 3rd Earl of Stamford (1685–1739). Henry Grey was a grandson of the 1st Earl, ensuring the continuation of the earldom within the broader Grey family line, from whom all subsequent Earls of Stamford descended.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thomas Grey, 2nd Earl of Stamford

Who was Thomas Grey, 2nd Earl of Stamford?

Thomas Grey, 2nd Earl of Stamford (c. 1654 – 1720), was a British peer and politician known for his Whig beliefs, opposition to James II, and service in high government offices during the reigns of William III and Anne.

What role did he play in the Glorious Revolution?

He was arrested for resisting King James II's arbitrary rule. After his release, he actively supported William of Orange, taking up arms on his behalf during the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which led to the ascension of William and Mary to the throne.

What were his political affiliations and key beliefs?

He was an "unrepentant Whig," staunchly advocating for parliamentary power, religious tolerance for Protestants, and limited monarchy. His strong anti-Catholic stance was evident in his vote against reversing the attainder of William Howard, 1st Viscount Stafford, linked to the Popish Plot.

Which significant government offices did he hold?

He served as a Privy Counsellor (1694), Lord Lieutenant of Devon (1696), Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1697), and twice as President of the Board of Trade (1699–1702 and 1707–1711).

How did the Stamford earldom pass after his death?

As he died without surviving children, his titles and the Bradgate Park estate passed to his first cousin, Henry Grey, 3rd Earl of Stamford, a grandson of the 1st Earl, ensuring the continuity of the peerage within the family line.