William Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Harrington
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General William Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Harrington (December 18, 1719 – April 1, 1779) was an English politician, soldier and nobleman.
The son of William Stanhope, 1st Earl of Harrington, he took up a military career and joined the Foot Guards in 1741, and was also returned for Aylesbury. He was wounded at the battle of Fontenoy and shortly thereafter (June 5, 1745) was appointed colonel of the Second Troop Horse Grenadier Guards, an appointment he held for the remainder of his life.
He married Lady Caroline FitzRoy (1722–1784), daughter of Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton, on August 11, 1746. They had seven children:
- Lady Caroline Stanhope (March 11, 1747 – February 9, 1767), married Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Seaforth
- Lady Isabella Stanhope (c. 1748 – January 29, 1819), married Charles Molyneux, 1st Earl of Sefton
- Lady Amelia Stanhope (May 24, 1749 – September 5, 1780), married Richard Barry, 6th Earl of Barrymore
- Charles Stanhope, 3rd Earl of Harrington (1753–1829)
- Capt. Hon. Henry Fitzroy Stanhope (c. 1754 – August 20, 1828), married Elizabeth Falconer and had issue
- Lady Henrietta Stanhope (c. 1756 – January 2, 1781), married Thomas Foley, 2nd Baron Foley
- Lady Anna Maria Stanhope (c. 1760 – October 18, 1834), married first Thomas Pelham-Clinton, 3rd Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne and second Gen. Sir Charles Crauford
In 1747, he became MP for Bury St Edmunds, and in 1755, was promoted major-general. He succeeded to the earldon in 1756, and was promoted lieutenant-general in 1758 and general in 1770.
| Parliament of Great Britain | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by George Champion Christopher Tower |
Member for Aylesbury with Charles Pilsworth 1741–1747 |
Succeeded by The Earl of Inchiquin Edward Willes |
| Preceded by Thomas Norton Thomas Hervey |
Member for Bury St Edmunds with Felton Hervey 1747–1754 |
Succeeded by Felton Hervey Earl of Euston |
| Peerage of Great Britain | ||
| Preceded by William Stanhope |
Earl of Harrington 1756–1779 |
Succeeded by Charles Stanhope |
