L22

ESTATE GENERAL The section as a whole consists mainly of deeds concerning the Lucas estate as affected by marriage and other family settlements, mortgages and recoveries. I. The earliest deed in this section concerns the marriage of Henry Grey, son of the 2nd Earl, with Anne Blennerhassett. He succeeded his brother Richard, the 3rd Earl, but never assumed the title 'by reason of his slender estate' (complete Peerage). L. 22/6 shows the arrangements made for the passing of 'the dignitie of the Earldome' to the younger branch, represented by Anthony Grey, rector of Burbage, who was aged 82 when he succeeded to the title in 1639. The Inquisition Post Mortem taken on the death of Charles, 7th Earl, gives details of the estates of the family at that time (1626). L. 22/28 shows the property acquired by the family, on the marriage of Anthony, the 11th Earl with Mary, daughter of John, Lord Lucas. Mary was created Baroness Lucas of Crudwell in her own right in 1663. II. Two chief purposes for which the mortgages on the estates were made appear to have been (a) the building of Wrest House between 1834 and 1839 (the majority of the deeds concern the transactions relating to this), and (b) the contract made by the Countess Cowper for improving drainage, farm buildings and cottages in 1862. There are no other large charges on the estate until 1913; the purpose of this mortgage is not known. III. The recoveries are consequent upon the marriage arrangements of 1772 (Lady Amabell Grey) and 1805 (Thomas Philip Weddell, Earl de Grey).

1512-1921

From: 1512 To: 1921

sub-fonds