Family and Education

b. 21 Sept. 1725, 1st surv. s. of Brownlow, 8th Earl of Exeter, by Hannah Sophia, da. and coh. of Thomas Chambers, citizen and merchant of London and Derby. educ. Winchester 1732; St. John’s, Camb. 1744. m. (1) 27 July 1748, Letitia (d. 17 Apr. 1756), da. and h. of Hon. Horatio Townshend, s.p.; (2) 23 Apr. 1770, Anna Maria, da. of Job Cheatham of Sodor Hall, Yorks., s.p. suc. fa. 3 Nov. 1754.

Offices Held

Ld. lt. Rutland 1751-79.

Biography

Cecil was classed ‘pro’ by Newcastle in 1747, and again by Dupplin in 1754. He lived a ‘retired life, preferring it to the tumult and bustle of a court from which he would never accept a place’. His time was largely spent in improving his seat at Burghley and collecting paintings, of which he left ‘a superb collection from the hands of the most illustrious artists’.1

He died 23 Dec. 1793.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Mary M. Drummond

Notes

• 1. Gent. Mag. 1793, p. 1213.