GEORGE WILLIAM HERVEY

george william hervey, 2nd earl of bristol (1721-1775), the eldest son of john, lord hervey of ickworth, by his marriage with mary (1700-1768), daughter of nicholas lepell, was born on the 31st of august 1721. he served for some years in the army, and in 1755 was sent to turin as envoy extraordinary. he was ambassador at madrid from 1758 to 1761, filling a difficult position with credit and dignity, and ranked among the followers of pitt. appointed lord-lieutenant of ireland in 1766, he never visited that country during his short tenure of this office, and, after having served for a short time as keeper of the privy seal, became groom of the stole to george iii. in january 1770. he died unmarried on the 18th or 20th of march 1775, and was succeeded by his brother.