The Marquess of Londonderry | |
|---|---|
,_1st_Marquess_of_Londonderry,_MP_by_Hugh_Douglas_Hamilton.jpg) The Marquess of Londonderry, by Hugh Douglas Hamilton, c. 1800–08 | |
| Tenure | 1816–1821 |
| Successor | Robert, 2nd Marquess |
| Born | 27 September 1739 Mount Stewart |
| Died | 6 April 1821 Mount Stewart |
| Buried | Newtownards Priory |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Frances Seymour Frances Pratt |
| Issue Detail | Robert, Charles, & others |
| Father | Alexander Stewart |
| Mother | Mary Cowan |
Robert Stewart, 1st Marquess of Londonderry PC (Ire) (1739–1821), was a County Down landowner, Irish Volunteer, and member of the parliament who, exceptionally for an Ulster Scot and Presbyterian, rose within the ranks of Ireland's "Anglican Ascendancy." His success was fuelled by wealth acquired through judicious marriages, and by the advancing political career of his son, Viscount Castlereagh (an architect of the Acts of Union, and British Foreign Secretary). In 1798 he gained notoriety for refusing to intercede on behalf of James Porter, his local Presbyterian minister, executed outside the Stewart demesne as a rebel.