Viscount Ridley

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Viscount Ridley is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1900 for the Conservative politician Sir Matthew Ridley, 5th Baronet, of Blagdon, Home Secretary from 1895 to 1900. He was made Baron Wensleydale, of Blagdon and Blyth in the County of Northumberland, at the same time. The latter title was a revival of the Barony held by his maternal grandfather James Parke, Baron Wensleydale. Lord Ridley was succeeded by his son, the second Viscount. He represented Stalybridge in the House of Commons. His son, the third Viscount, was Chairman of the Northumberland County Council. As of 2006 the titles are held by the latter's son, the foirth Viscount. He notably served as Lord Steward of the Household from 1989 to 2001.

The Baronetcy, of Blagdon in the County of Northumberland, was created in the Baronetage of Great Britain in 1756 for Matthew Ridley, with remainder to the heirs male of his sister Elizabeth, wife of Matthew Ridley. He was succeeded according to the special remainder by his nephew, the second Baronet. He represented Morpeth and Newcastle-upon-Tyne in Parliament. On his death the title passed to his eldest son, the third Baronet. He was also a Member of Parliament for Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He was succeeded by his son, the fourth Baronet. He represented Northumberland North in Parliament as a Conservative. Ridley was the husband of Cecilia Anne Parke, daughter of James Parke, 1st Baron Wensleydale. When he died the title was inherited by his son, the fifth Baronet, who was raised to the peerage as Viscount Ridley in 1900.

Another member of the Ridley family was Nicholas William Ridley-Colborne, younger son of the second Baronet. He was created Baron Colborne in 1839.

The family seat is Blagdon Hall, near Cramlington, Northumberland.

[edit] Ridley Baronets, of Blagdon (1756)

Sir Matthew White, 1st Baronet (c. 1727-1763)
Sir Matthew White Ridley, 2nd Baronet (1745-1813)
Sir Matthew White Ridley, 3rd Baronet (1778-1836)
Sir Matthew White Ridley, 4th Baronet (1807-1877)
Sir Matthew White Ridley, 5th Baronet (1842-1904) (created Viscount Ridley in 1900)