Gilbert Heathcote M.P.

A carte-de-visite portrait of the Member of Parliament Gilbert Heathcote (1830-1910).

Born Gilbert Henry Heathcote on 1 October 1830, his father was Gilbert John Heathcote, later 1st Baron Aveland. His mother, born Clementina Elizabeth Burrell-Drummond, was later Baroness Willoughby of Eresby. He was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge. From 1852 to 1856, he held the office of Member of Parliament for Boston. Between 1856 and 1867 he was the M.P. for Rutland. On 6 September 1867 he succeeded to the title of 6th Baronet Heathcote and to the title of 2nd Baron Aveland. On 4 May 1872 his name was legally changed to Gilbert Henry Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby by Royal Licence. He succeeded to the title of 24th Baron of Willoughby of Eresby on 13 November 1888. He was created 1st Earl of Ancaster on 22 August 1892.

On 14 July 1863 at St. Paul’s Church, Knighsbridge [London], he married Lady Evelyn Elizabeth Gordon, daughter of Charles Gordon, 10th Marquess of Huntly and Maria Antoinetta Pegus. The couple had five children.

He died on 24 December 1910.

Photographed by Camille Silvy of London in 1860.