Charles, Earl Grey

Charles, Earl Grey sits on top of his monument in Newcastle city centre and looks down on the street named him.  Apparently, his head was knocked off by a bolt of lightening in 1941 and a new one had to made for him after the end of the war.

Charles was born at at Falloden, Northumberland in 1764.  In 1830 he became Prime Minister.  His government saw the abolotion of slavery in the British Empire and also the passing of the Reform Act of 1832.

Charles was married and had 16 children.  However, he was also the lover of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire.  They had a daughter (Eliza) together but Georgiana was forced to give the baby up. I understand that Eliza was brought up by Earl Grey's parents.  His other claim to fame was to have a blend of tea named after him.

Charles died at Howick Hall, Northumberland in 1845.