Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster

Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster (27 January 1795 – 31 October 1869), styled The Honourable Richard Grosvenor from 1795 to 1802, Viscount Belgrave from 1802 to 1831 and Earl Grosvenor from 1831 to 1845, was an English politician, landowner, property developer and benefactor.

Background and education Grosvenor was born at Millbank House, Westminster, London, the eldest of the three sons of Robert Grosvenor, 1st Marquess of Westminster and Lady Eleanor Egerton. He was educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford where he graduated MA. He undertook the Grand Tour in 1815.

Political and public life In 1818 Grosvenor was elected as Whig MP for Chester and was later appointed as a Justice of the Peace. He was presented with the Order of the Garter on 6 July 1857. Of his political activity it is said that "he seldom spoke in the House of Lords". Burn also designed Fonthill House, Wiltshire, for him in Scottish Baronial style.

On his estates Grosvenor built farms, schools and "numerous" cottages. Among his schools were the Bishopsfield Schools in Hoole, Chester.

Personality and personal interests

Grosvenor continued the family interest in horse racing In 1865–66 Douglas designed St John's Church for him in his estate village of Aldford. About the same time, Grosvenor gave fields in Chester to the city council for the formation of Grosvenor Park. For this park Douglas designed a number of items, including the Entrance Lodge, the gates, and a cover for Billy Hobby's Well. Following their marriage, Westminster and his wife initially lived at Eaton Hall, Cheshire, the family's country house, with Lord and Lady Grosvenor. During the London season, from April each year, the family lived in Grosvenor House. In 1827 the couple visited Norway, Sweden and Russia and in 1835–36 they toured through Germany and Italy. When the 1st Marquess died in 1845 they followed the family tradition of using Eaton Hall as their country house and Grosvenor House as their London residence, where they entertained lavishly. Lady Theodora Grosvenor (7 July 1840 – 24 March 1924); writer m. Thomas Merthyr Guest.

Lord Westminster died at Fonthill House, Fonthill Gifford in Wiltshire on 31 October 1869 after a short illness and was buried in the family vault in St Mary's Church, Eccleston, Cheshire. His wealth at death is recorded as being under £800,000 (equivalent to £ as of ). Near the east end of Pimlico Road in the City of Westminster, London is a drinking fountain decorated with mosaics in his honour.