Henry Bilson-Legge, 2nd Baron Stawell
Henry Bilson-Legge, 2nd Baron Stawell, was a prominent British peer and landowner who navigated the upper echelons of Georgian society. Holding a seat in the House of Lords—the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom—from 1780 until 1820, his life was defined by inherited wealth, political lineage, and a passion for equestrian sports.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Henry Bilson-Legge, 2nd Baron Stawell.
- Tenure: Member of the House of Lords from 1780 to 1820.
- Notable Achievement: Bred Blucher, a winner of the Epsom Derby.
- Family Legacy: Son of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Henry Bilson-Legge.
- Peerage Status: The barony became extinct upon his death in 1820.
Lineage and Early Life
Born on February 22, 1757, Henry Bilson-Legge was the only son of Henry Bilson-Legge, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Mary Stawell. His paternal grandfather was William Legge, the 1st Earl of Dartmouth, ensuring he was born into a family of significant political influence.
The origin of his title was unique. His mother, Mary Stawell, was the daughter of Edward Stawell, 4th Baron Stawell. While she inherited her father's estates, she did not automatically inherit the title. However, in 1760, she was created Baroness Stawell of Somerton in the County of Somerset in her own right. This specific peerage was the one eventually passed down to Henry.
Following the death of his father in 1764, Henry's mother remarried the Earl of Hillsborough, who was later created the Marquess of Downshire.
Wealth and the Turf
Inheriting a substantial fortune, the 2nd Baron Stawell became a well-known patron of the Turf, a term referring to the world of horse racing. His contributions to the sport were marked by his success in breeding high-performance horses.
His most notable achievement in the sporting world was breeding Blucher, a horse that went on to win the prestigious Epsom Derby, one of the most famous flat horse races in the world.
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Marriage and Succession
In 1779, Stawell married Mary Curzon, the daughter of Assheton Curzon, 1st Viscount Curzon. The couple had one child, a daughter named Mary (1780–1864).
Mary Bilson-Legge later married John Dutton, 2nd Baron Sherborne. Together, they had six children, including James Dutton, 3rd Baron Sherborne, and Ralph Heneage Dutton. Because Henry Bilson-Legge had no male heirs to inherit his specific title, the barony of Stawell became extinct upon his death on August 25, 1820, at the age of 63.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | February 22, 1757 – August 25, 1820 |
| Title | 2nd Baron Stawell |
| House of Lords Tenure | 1780–1820 |
| Spouse | Mary Curzon |
| Children | 1 daughter (Mary) |
| Notable Horse | Blucher (Epsom Derby winner) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Henry Bilson-Legge obtain the title of Baron Stawell?
He inherited the title from his mother, Mary Stawell, who had been created Baroness Stawell of Somerton in her own right in 1760.
Who was Henry Bilson-Legge's father?
His father was also named Henry Bilson-Legge and served as the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
What was the 2nd Baron Stawell's contribution to horse racing?
He was a patron of the Turf and bred the horse Blucher, which won the Epsom Derby.
Why did the barony of Stawell become extinct?
The barony became extinct because the 2nd Baron Stawell had no sons to inherit the title.
Who were the children of his daughter, Mary?
Mary married John Dutton, 2nd Baron Sherborne, and they had six children, including James Dutton (3rd Baron Sherborne) and Ralph Heneage Dutton.