Family and Education

b. 6 July 1742, 2nd s.1 of James Grenville educ. Eton 1754-8. unm.

Offices Held

Ensign 1 Ft. Gds. 1759; capt. 24 Ft. 1761; capt. and lt-col. 2 Ft. Gds. 1772; col. 1779; maj.-gen. 1782, col. 23 Ft. 1786- d.; lt.-gen. 1796; gen. 1801.

In charge of Prince Frederick Augustus’s establishment in Hanover, c.1781-7,2 and comptroller and master of the Household to him as Duke of York 1788- d.

Biography

Grenville was returned for Buckingham on the family interest. During 1775 he joined his brother and cousin in supporting a motion for expunging from the journals the proceedings against Wilkes, and a bill for disfranchising electors of Hindon on grounds of corruption.3 These are the only occasions on which he is known to have spoken or voted. Robinson wrote of him in July 1780:

It is said to be doubtful whether Lord Temple will bring Mr. Richard Grenville in again, and thought that he may bring in his younger brother ... but if Mr. Richard Grenville comes in, he may be reckoned hopeful, because he never votes against Government.

It seems probable that at the general election Grenville withdrew voluntarily in favour of Temple’s brother-in-law, Richard Aldworth Neville.

Grenville died 22 Apr. 1823.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Mary M. Drummond

Notes

• 1. If the date of birth given in Eton Coll. Reg. is correct, Richard and his bro. James were twins.
• 2. Grenville’s corresp. with Sir R. M. Keith, 1783-7, Add. 35528-35537.
• 3. Almon, i. 230, 395.