'Garret Wesley, 1st Earl of Mornington' (
9 July 1735–
22 May 1781) was an Anglo-
Irish politician and
composer, best known today for fathering several distinguished British politicians. He was born at the family estate of Dangan to
Richard Wesley, 1st Baron Mornington and Elizabeth Sale. He was educated at
Trinity College, Dublin and was elected its first Professor of Music in
1764. As a composer he is remembered chiefly for
glees such as ''Here in cool grot'' and for a double
Anglican chant.
Garret Wesley succeeded his father as 2nd Baron Mornington in
1758. In
1760, in recognition of his musical and philanthropic achievements, he was created 'Viscount Wellesley', of Dangan Castle in the County of Meath, and 'Earl of Mornington'.
He married Anne Hill, eldest daughter of the banker Arthur Hill,
Lord Dungannon in
1759
His children were:
★
Richard, Viscount Wellesley, later 1st Marquess Wellesley, 2nd Earl of Mornington (
20 June 1760–
26 September 1842)
★
Hon. William, later Wellesley-Pole and 3rd Earl of Mornington, 1st Baron Maryborough (
20 May 1763–
22 February 1845)
★
Hon. Arthur, later 1st Duke of Wellington (c.
1 May 1769–
14 September 1852)
★
The Revd and Hon. Gerald Valerian (
7 December 1770–
24 October 1848)
★
Hon. Henry, later 1st Baron Cowley (
20 January 1773–
27 April 1847)
★
Lady Anne (
1775–
16 December 1844), married (1) Hon. Henry FitzRoy (younger son of
Charles FitzRoy, 1st Baron Southampton), (2) Charles Culling Smith.
Four of Lord Mornington's five sons were created peers in the
Peerages of
Great Britain and the
United Kingdom. The Barony of Wellesley (held by the
Marquess Wellesley) and the
Barony of Maryborough are now extinct, whilst the
Dukedom of Wellington and
Barony of Cowley are extant. The Earldom of Mornington is held by the Dukes of Wellington, and the Barons Cowley have since been elevated to be
Earls Cowley.
Garret Wesley died in 1781.
External link
★
Article from thepeerage.com