Robert Shirley, 1st Earl Ferrers

Robert Shirley, 1st Earl Ferrers (20 October 1650–25 December 1717) was an English peer and courtier.

Shirley was the third son of Sir Robert Shirley, 4th Baronet and his wife, Catherine. In 1669, he inherited his baronetcy from his infant nephew and in 1677, he was confirmed as Baron Ferrers of Chartley after the title became abeyant on the death of his kinsman, Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex.

From 1682-85, Lord Ferrers was Master of the Horse to the Queen consort, Catherine of Braganza and her Lord Steward from 1685 until her death in 1705. From 1685-86, he was Colonel of The Princess Anne of Denmark's Regiment of Foot, Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire from 1687-89 and was admitted to the Privy Council in 1689.

In 1711, Lord Ferrers was created Earl Ferrers. On his death six years later, his earldom passed to his second (but eldest surviving) son, whilst his barony passed to his granddaughter, Elizabeth, her father and elder brother having predeceased Lord Ferrers in 1698 and 1714, respectively.

Family

On 28 December 1671, Lord Ferrers married the heiress, Catherine Washington (d. 1693) and they had four sons:

*Hon. Robert (1673–1698)
*Hon. Washington, later 2nd Earl Ferrers (1677–1729)
*Hon. Henry, later 3rd Earl Ferrers (1691–1745)
*Hon. Laurence (1693–1743), father of the 4th, 5th and 6th Earl Ferrers.

In 1699, Lord Ferrers married Selina Finch and they had four children:

*Hon. George (1705–1787)
*Hon. Sewallis (d. 1765), married Margaret Walpole, Countess of Orford.
*Lady Anne (d. 1779), married Sir Robert Furnese, 2nd Baronet.
*Lady Selina, married Peter Bathurst.

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