Viscount Astor

Viscount Astor, of Hever Castle in the County of Kent, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1917 for the financier and statesman William Waldorf Astor. He had already been created Baron Astor, of Hever Castle in the County of Kent, in 1916. His eldest son, the second Viscount, was the husband of Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor, the first woman to sit in the House of Commons. As of 2006 the titles are held by their grandson, the fourth Viscount, who succeeded his father in 1966. He is one of the ninety-two elected hereditary peers that remain in the House of Lords after the passing of the House of Lords Act 1999, and sits as a Conservative.

John Jacob Astor, 1st Baron Astor of Hever, was the second son of the first Viscount.

The family seat is Ginge Manor, near Wantage, Oxfordshire.

Viscounts Astor (1917)

*William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor (1848-1919)
*Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor (1879-1952)
*William Waldorf Astor, 3rd Viscount Astor (1907-1966)
*William Waldorf Astor, 4th Viscount Astor (b. 1951)

The Heir Apparent is the present holder's son Hon. William Waldorf Astor (b. 18 January 1979)

ee also

*Baron Astor of Hever
*Astor family

References

*Kidd, Charles, Williamson, David (editors). "Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage" (1990 edition). New York: St Martin's Press, 1990.
* [http://www.angeltowns.com/town/peerage/ Leigh Rayment's Peerage Page]