Papers of Charles, 1st Earl Grey

The loose papers are almost entirely military, and deal predominantly with the period after 1792. There is much on the 1793-4 expedition to the West Indies, where Grey captured Martinique, St Lucia and Guadeloupe, particularly on the temporary arrangements which had to be made for the civil government of the islands, and on prize money. From Grey's appointment to command the Southern District of England in 1796 until his retirement in 1800, the papers provide detailed information about defence tactics against invasion, plans of attack on the enemy coast, and day to day army administration.

The volumes include letter-books, maps (manuscript and printed), military order-books, and journals of Viscount Cantelupe (William Augustus West, later 3rd Earl De La Warr) and Lieut.-Col. Thomas Grey.

Second surviving son of Sir Henry Grey, 1st Baronet, of Howick, Northumberland, and Hannah, daughter of Thomas Wood of Fallodon. Married Elizabeth, daughter of George Grey of Southwick, Co. Durham, 1762. 5 surviving sons and 2 daughters.

A career soldier, he served in the Seven Years War and the American War of Independence. During the war with France he commanded the 1793-4 expedition to the West Indies and the Southern District of England 1796-1800. Made a general and privy councillor 1794; created Baron Grey of Howick 1801; advanced to Viscount Howick and Earl Grey 1806.

Papers in chronological order (1-2236), followed by volumes (2237-2257).

Open for consultation.

Part of : Earl Grey Papers

List of the papers of the 1st Earl Grey, 2 vols. (Durham, 1974), available online at online catalogue