John Crocker Bulteel and the Legacy of the Bulteel Family
The history of the Bulteel family is a complex tapestry of marriage, land ownership, and political connection. Central to this narrative is John Crocker Bulteel (1793–1843), whose marriage into one of Britain's most prominent political families solidified his social standing and shaped the future of several historic estates in Devon.
In 1826, John Crocker Bulteel married Lady Elizabeth Grey (d. 1880). Lady Elizabeth was the second daughter of Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This union linked the Bulteel family directly to the highest levels of British governance.
Key Facts
- Marriage: John Crocker Bulteel married Lady Elizabeth Grey in 1826.
- Political Link: Lady Elizabeth's father was the UK Prime Minister, Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey.
- Estates: The family history is closely tied to the estates of Fleet and Membland in the parish of Holbeton.
- Financial Ties: Multiple descendants were linked to Barings Bank, a prominent financial institution.
- Royal Connection: Mary Elizabeth Bulteel served as a Maid of Honour to Queen Victoria.
The Children of John and Elizabeth Bulteel
The marriage of John Crocker Bulteel and Lady Elizabeth Grey produced four children, each of whom played a role in the redistribution of family lands and the expansion of their social influence.
John Bulteel (1827–1897)
As the son and heir, John Bulteel managed the family's primary holdings. However, in 1863, he sold the Fleet estate to an Australian sheep farmer and relocated his residence to Pamflete within the parish of Holbeton.
Mary Elizabeth Bulteel (1832–1916)
The eldest daughter, Mary Elizabeth, held a position of prestige as a Maid of Honour (a lady-in-waiting) to Queen Victoria. In 1861, she married Sir Henry Ponsonby (1825–1895), who served as the Queen's equerry, private secretary, and Keeper of the Privy Purse.
Georgiana Bulteel (1834–1899)
Georgiana married Henry Bingham Mildmay (d. 1905), a partner in Barings Bank. As the heiress of Fleet, her lineage preserved the estate's legacy; her son, Francis Bingham Mildmay, became the 1st Baron Mildmay of Flete (1861–1947). The estate later passed to her granddaughter, Hon. Helen Mildmay (born 1907), who also inherited Mothecombe, an estate purchased by Henry Bingham Mildmay in 1872.
Louisa Emily Charlotte Bulteel (1839–1892)
Louisa married Edward Baring, 1st Baron Revelstoke (1828–1897), a senior partner of Barings Bank. Their daughter, Margaret Baring, later married Charles Spencer, the 6th Earl Spencer.
The History of the Membland and Fleet Estates
The movement of land between the Bulteel, Perring, and Baring families illustrates the volatile nature of 19th-century wealth. The estate of Membland was originally purchased in 1757 by John I Bulteel (1733–1801), the grandfather of John Crocker Bulteel. It was quickly sold to Peter Perring, who had amassed a fortune in the East Indies.
The estate eventually passed to Sir John Perring, 1st Baronet, the Lord Mayor of London in 1803. However, following the Panic of 1825—a major financial crisis—Perrings Bank failed, forcing the sale of his estates. Membland and the manor of Revelstoke were subsequently acquired by the Baring family, leading to Edward Baring being created Baron Revelstoke of Membland in 1885.
| Child | Spouse | Key Connection/Estate |
|---|---|---|
| John Bulteel | N/A | Sold Fleet (1863); moved to Pamflete |
| Mary Elizabeth | Sir Henry Ponsonby | Maid of Honour to Queen Victoria |
| Georgiana | Henry Bingham Mildmay | Heiress of Fleet; linked to Barings Bank |
| Louisa Emily | Edward Baring | Baron Revelstoke; Membland estate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lady Elizabeth Grey?
Lady Elizabeth Grey (d. 1880) was the second daughter of Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She married John Crocker Bulteel in 1826.
What happened to the Fleet estate?
The estate was sold by John Bulteel in 1863 to an Australian sheep farmer. It was later repurchased by his brother-in-law, Henry Bingham Mildmay, and eventually became the basis for the title of Baron Mildmay of Flete.
How did the Baring family acquire Membland?
Membland was sold by Sir John Perring after the failure of Perrings Bank during the Panic of 1825. It was purchased by the Baring family, and Edward Baring was later created Baron Revelstoke of Membland.
What was Mary Elizabeth Bulteel's role in the royal court?
Mary Elizabeth Bulteel served as a Maid of Honour to Queen Victoria before marrying the Queen's private secretary, Sir Henry Ponsonby.
Who inherited the Mothecombe estate?
The estate of Mothecombe, purchased in 1872 by Henry Bingham Mildmay, was inherited by his granddaughter, Hon. Helen Mildmay (born 1907).