I still have the baby dish I was fed from, but I’m quite sure there weren’t any silver eating utensils.  I was considered wealthy, from a human standpoint, when my husband’s business was thriving, but that was only a short time, so I never really got used to being rich.  To me it really didn’t seem any different.

Charles Grey, was born on this day in 1764. He came from a long line of richies.  His father, General Charles Grey and mother, Elizabeth were descended from families of Northumbria – one of the most important of Anglo-Saxon countries, from medieval times on.  So I guess you could say he came into the world with a silver spoon in his mouth.

By the age of 22, he had become a member of parliament.  He was educated at Richmond School, followed by Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge. His talents allowed him to become one of the foremost orators of his time.  He became part of the Whig party and soon became one of its major leaders.

In 1794 he married Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby.  Prior to his marriage he had an infamous  affair with the married Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, resulting in a child. In his own marriage he produced a further 16 children. So he was not only a prolific statesman.  His quiver was also full of arrows, as the Bible says.

In 1830, the Earl Grey became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after years of opposition.  His accomplishments included The Reform Act of 1832, which made changes to the electoral system.  While in parliament his achievements included abolishing sale trade and putting restrictions on employment of children.

During his lifetime he had numerous affairs with women.  His wife, Mary was obviously frequently pregnant, so he could be referred to as quite the playboy. He also lived through two monarchies – In 1830 George IV died, being succeeded by William IV who had no prejudice against Grey.

He lived a long, lavish lifestyle until he became feeble in his old age.  Death will not differentiate between the rich and the poor.  Everyone will one day die.  He left the world on July 17, 1845.  Charles may not have been buried with his silver spoon, but he had a tea named after him so he would’ve had something to stir it with.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EARL GREY!