Peter Burrell, 1st Baron Gwydyr
Encyclopedia
Peter Burrell, 1st Baron Gwydyr PC
(16 June 1754 – 29 June 1820) featured in English politics at the end of the 18th century but he was best known for his involvement in cricket, particularly his part in the foundation of Marylebone Cricket Club
in 1787. Burrell has been called the third most influential member of the White Conduit Club
and of the early MCC, after George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea
and Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of Richmond
.
The son of Peter Burrell
, he was a well known political figure and, apart from a couple of years in the early 1780s, was an MP from 1776 to 1796. The highlight of his career was his role as Deputy Grand Chamberlain in the famous trial of Warren Hastings
. Hastings had been the first Governor-General of India
from 1773 to 1786 but in 1787 he was impeached and subsequently tried for corruption
; but was acquitted in 1795.
The playing career of Sir Peter Burrell extends to just 9 known first-class matches from 1785 to 1790. He played for Kent
in a couple of matches although he was a Londoner by birth and his family seat was in Sussex. He was a very useful batsman as indicated by his highest innings of 97 playing for White Conduit Club v Gentlemen of Kent at White Conduit Fields
on Thursday, 30 June & Friday, 1 July 1785.
; they would have two children.
Privy Council of the United Kingdom
Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, usually known simply as the Privy Council, is a formal body of advisers to the Sovereign in the United Kingdom...
(16 June 1754 – 29 June 1820) featured in English politics at the end of the 18th century but he was best known for his involvement in cricket, particularly his part in the foundation of Marylebone Cricket Club
Marylebone Cricket Club
Marylebone Cricket Club is a cricket club in London founded in 1787. Its influence and longevity now witness it as a private members' club dedicated to the development of cricket. It owns, and is based at, Lord's Cricket Ground in St John's Wood, London NW8. MCC was formerly the governing body of...
in 1787. Burrell has been called the third most influential member of the White Conduit Club
White Conduit Club
The White Conduit Club, although short-lived, was perhaps the most significant club in cricket history for it bridged the gulf between the rural and rustic Hambledon era and the new, modern and metropolitan era of MCC and Lord's, the two entities that it spawned.We do not know for certain when the...
and of the early MCC, after George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea
George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea
George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea KG PC FRS was an important figure in the history of cricket. His main contributions to the game were patronage and organisation but Winchilsea, an amateur, was also a very keen player....
and Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of Richmond
Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of Richmond
Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of Richmond, 4th Duke of Lennox KG, PC was a British soldier and politician and Governor General of British North America.-Background:...
.
The son of Peter Burrell
Peter Burrell (1724-1775)
Peter Burrell FRS was a British politician and barrister.Born in London, he was the son of Peter Burrell and his wife Amy Raymond, daughter of Hugh Raymond. His uncle was Sir Merrick Burrell, 1st Baronet and his younger brother Sir William Burrell, 2nd Baronet...
, he was a well known political figure and, apart from a couple of years in the early 1780s, was an MP from 1776 to 1796. The highlight of his career was his role as Deputy Grand Chamberlain in the famous trial of Warren Hastings
Warren Hastings
Warren Hastings PC was the first Governor-General of India, from 1773 to 1785. He was famously accused of corruption in an impeachment in 1787, but was acquitted in 1795. He was made a Privy Councillor in 1814.-Early life:...
. Hastings had been the first Governor-General of India
Governor-General of India
The Governor-General of India was the head of the British administration in India, and later, after Indian independence, the representative of the monarch and de facto head of state. The office was created in 1773, with the title of Governor-General of the Presidency of Fort William...
from 1773 to 1786 but in 1787 he was impeached and subsequently tried for corruption
Impeachment of Warren Hastings
The Impeachment of Warren Hastings was a failed attempt to impeach the former Governor-General of India Warren Hastings in the Parliament of Great Britain between 1788 and 1795. Hastings was accused of misconduct during his time in Calcutta particularly relating to mismanagement and personal...
; but was acquitted in 1795.
The playing career of Sir Peter Burrell extends to just 9 known first-class matches from 1785 to 1790. He played for Kent
Kent county cricket teams
Kent county cricket teams have been traced back to the 17th century but the county's involvement in cricket goes back much further than that. Kent, jointly with Sussex, is the birthplace of the sport...
in a couple of matches although he was a Londoner by birth and his family seat was in Sussex. He was a very useful batsman as indicated by his highest innings of 97 playing for White Conduit Club v Gentlemen of Kent at White Conduit Fields
White Conduit Fields
White Conduit Fields in Islington was an early venue of major cricket matches and the original home of the White Conduit Club, forerunner of MCC...
on Thursday, 30 June & Friday, 1 July 1785.
Family
On 23 February 1779 he married Priscilla Bertie, 21st Baroness Willoughby de EresbyPriscilla Bertie, 21st Baroness Willoughby de Eresby
Priscilla Barbara Elizabeth Bertie, 21st Baroness Willoughby de Eresby was a daughter of the 3rd Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven. On 23 February 1779, she married Sir Peter Burrell and they later had two children...
; they would have two children.