Sir George Harpur Crewe, 8th Baronet

Sir George Harpur Crewe, 8th Baronet (1 February 1795, 1 January 1844) was an English Tory politician who represented the constituency of South Derbyshire.

Harpur Crewe was the eldest surviving son of Sir Henry Harpur, 7th Baronet and his wife Ann Hawkins, daughter of Isaac Hawkins. His father took the name and arms of Crewe by royal sign manual in 1808. Harpur Crewe was educated at Rugby School. He succeeded his father, who died after falling from his coach box [ [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/htmlContent.jhtml?html=/archive/1999/05/07/njak07.html Maurice Weaver "He's a lumberjack and he's OK now"] , Daily Telegraph Friday 7 May 1999] on 7 February 1818, at the age of 24 inheriting the Baronetcy, Calke Abbey the family seat and extensive properties in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Leicestershire. [Annual Register 1845]

Harpur Crewe was called upon to serve as High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1821, and one of his first acts was to do away with the Assize Ball publishing a letter "showing how cruel and heartless it appeared that any person should be found engaged in worldly mirth and amusement on so solemn an occasion, when so many poor creatures were trembling on the eve of their trial, perhaps for their lives." [Gentleman's Magazine 1844] After several years looking after his estates, he was persuaded to stand as Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire in 1835, and was returned again in 1837. His health was always poor and he retired in 1841.

Harpur Crewe was a considerable philanthropist with strong Christian principles, and was considered "too conscientious for a member of Parliament". [Gentleman's Magazine 1844] The Harpur Crewe family were great collectors, and Sir George collected paintings,stuffed birds and animals. [The Birmingham Post (England), August 14, 2004] He died at his home at Calke Abbey.

Harpur Crewe married in 1819 Jane Whitaker, daughter of the Rev. Thomas Whitaker, Vicar of Mendham, Norfolk. They had six children and he was succeeded by his son Sir John Harpur Crewe, 9th Baronet.

References

* "Debrett's Baronetage of England" 7th Edition (1839) pp 34/5 (Google Books)
*