Biography of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland 1641-1702

Paternal Family Tree: Spencer

Maternal Family Tree: Emma de Dinan 1136-1208

On 20 Jul 1639, some sources say 11 Jul 1639, [his father] Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland (age 18) and [his mother] Dorothy Sidney Countess Sunderland (age 21) were married at Penhurst Rother. She by marriage Baroness Spencer Wormleighton. Her long-term suitor, she was the 'Sacharissa' of his poems, Edmund Waller (age 33) wrote a letter to the [his aunt] bride's sister (age 12) on the occasion of the wedding. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Robert Sidney 2nd Earl of Leicester (age 43) and [his grandmother] Dorothy Percy Countess Leicester (age 41).

Madam,

In this common joy at Penshurst, I know none to whom complaints may come less unseasonably than to your ladyship, the loss of a bedfellow being almost equal to that of a mistress; and therefore you ought at least to pardon, if you consent not to the imprecations of, the deserted, which just Heaven no doubt will hear. May my lady Dorothy, if we may yet call her so, suffer as much, and have the like passion for this young lord, whom she has preferred to the rest of mankind, as others have had for her; and may his love, before the year go about, make her taste of the first curse imposed upon womankind, the pains of becoming a mother. May her first born be none of her own sex, nor so like her but that he may resemble her lord as much as herself. May she that always affected silence and retirement have the house filled with the noise and number of her children, and hereafter of her grandchildren; and then may she arrive at that great curse, so much declined by fair ladies, old age; may she live to be very old and yet seem young; be told so by her glass, and have no aches to inform her of the truth; and when she shall appear to be mortal, may her lord not mourn for her, but go hand in hand with her to that place where we are told there is neither marrying nor giving in marriage, that being there divorced we may all have an equal interest in her again! My revenge being immortal, I wish all this may befall her posterity to the world's end and afterwards! To you, madam, I wish all good things, and that this loss may in good time be happily supplied with a more constant bedfellow of the other sex. Madam, I humbly kiss your hands, and beg pardon for this trouble, from

Your ladyship's

most humble servant,

E. Waller.

On 05 Sep 1641 Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland was born to Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland (age 20) and Dorothy Sidney Countess Sunderland (age 23) at Paris [Map].

On 20 Sep 1643 [his father] Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland (age 22) died. His son Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 2) succeeded 2nd Earl of Sunderland, 4th Baron Spencer Wormleighton.

Pepy's Diary. 01 Jul 1663. Walking out, I hear that the House of Lords are offended that my [his future father-in-law] Lord Digby (age 50) should come to this House and make a speech there without leave first asked of the House of Lords. I hear also of another difficulty now upon him; that my Lord of Sunderland (age 21) (whom I do not know) was so near to the marriage of his [his future wife] daughter (age 17) as that the wedding-clothes were made, and portion and every thing agreed on and ready; and the other day he goes away nobody yet knows whither, sending her the next morning a release of his right or claim to her, and advice to his friends not to enquire into the reason of this doing, for he hath enough for it; but that he gives them liberty to say and think what they will of him, so they do not demand the reason of his leaving her, being resolved never to have her, but the reason desires and resolves not to give.

On 09 Jun 1665 Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 23) and Anne Digby Countess Sunderland (age 19) were married. She by marriage Countess of Sunderland. She the daughter of George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol (age 52) and Anne Russell Countess Bristol (age 45). He the son of Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland and Dorothy Sidney Countess Sunderland (age 47).

In 1666 [his son] Robert Spencer was born to Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 24) and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland (age 20).

In 1667 [his daughter] Anne Spencer Countess Arran was born to Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 25) and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland (age 21).

In 1668 [his daughter] Isabella Spencer was born to Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 26) and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland (age 22).

In 1671 [his daughter] Elizabeth Spencer Countess Clancarty was born to Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 29) and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland (age 25).

Evelyn's Diary. 22 Sep 1671. Lord Sunderland (age 30) was now nominated Ambassador to Spain.

On 23 Apr 1675 [his son] Charles Spencer 3rd Earl of Sunderland was born to Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 33) and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland (age 29).

Evelyn's Diary. 08 Jul 1675. I went with Mrs. Howard (age 49) and her two daughters toward Northampton Assizes, about a trial at law, in which I was concerned for them as a trustee. We lay this night at Henley-on-the-Thames [Map], at our attorney, Mr. Stephens's, who entertained us very handsomely. Next day, dining at Shotover, Oxfordshire, at Sir Timothy Tyrill's (age 58), a sweet place, we lay at Oxford, where it was the time of the Act. [his uncle] Mr. Robert Spencer (age 46), uncle to the Earl of Sunderland (age 33), and my old acquaintance in France, entertained us at his apartment in Christ Church with exceeding generosity.

Evelyn's Diary. 14 Jul 1675. I went to see my Lord Sunderland's (age 33) Seat at Althorpe [Map], four miles from the ragged town of Northampton [Map] (since burned, and well rebuilt). It is placed in a pretty open bottom, very finely watered and flanked with stately woods and groves in a park, with a canal, but the water is not running, which is a defect. The house, a kind of modern building, of freestone, within most nobly furnished; the apartments very commodious, a gallery and noble hall; but the kitchen being in the body of the house, and chapel too small, were defects. There is an old yet honorable gatehouse standing awry, and out-housing mean, but designed to be taken away. It was moated round, after the old manner, but it is now dry, and turfed with a beautiful carpet. Above all, are admirable and magnificent the several ample gardens furnished with the choicest fruit, and exquisitely kept. Great plenty of oranges, and other curiosities. The park full of fowl, especially herons, and from it a prospect to Holmby House, which being demolished in the late civil wars, shows like a Roman ruin shaded by the trees about it, a stately, solemn, and pleasing view.

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Dec 1675. Lady Sunderland (age 34) gave me ten guineas, to bestow in charities.

On 20 Mar 1677 [his father-in-law] George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol (age 64) died. His son [his brother-in-law] John Digby 3rd Earl Bristol (age 43) succeeded 3rd Earl Bristol.

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Jan 1678. Dined with the Duke of Norfolk (age 49), being the first time I had seen him since the death of his elder brother, who died at Padua in Italy, where he had resided above thirty years. The Duke had now newly declared his marriage to his concubine (age 35), whom he promised me he never would marry. I went with him to see the Duke of Buckingham (age 49), thence to my Lord Sunderland (age 36), now Secretary of State, to show him that rare piece of Vosterman's (son of old Vosterman), which was a view, or landscape of my Lord's palace, etc., at Althorpe [Map] in Northamptonshire.

Evelyn's Diary. 19 Sep 1679. My Lord Sunderland (age 38), one of the principal Secretaries of State, invited me to dinner, where was the King's (age 49) natural son, the Earl of Plymouth (age 22), the Earl of Shrewsbury, Earl of Essex (age 47), Earl of Mulgrave (age 31), Mr. Hyde, and Mr. Godolphin (age 34). After dinner I went to prayers at Eton College [Map], and visited Mr. Henry Godolphin (age 31), fellow there, and Dr. Craddock.

Evelyn's Diary. 26 Jul 1680. Being retired to his lodgings, and set down on a couch, he sent to his secretary for the copy of a letter which he had written to Lord Sunderland (age 38) (Secretary of State), wishing me to read it; it was to take notice how ill he resented it, that he should tell the King (age 50) before Lord Ossory's (age 46) face, that Tangier [Map] was not to be kept, but would certainly be lost, and yet added that it was fit Lord Ossory should be sent, that they might give some account of it to the world, meaning (as supposed) the next Parliament, when all such miscarriages would probably be examined; this Lord Ossory took very ill of Lord Sunderland, and not kindly of the King, who resolving to send him with an incompetent force, seemed, as his Lordship took it, to be willing to cast him away, not only on a hazardous adventure, but in most men's opinion, an impossibility, seeing there was not to be above 300 or 400 horse, and 4,000 foot for the garrison and all, both to defend the town, form a camp, repulse the enemy, and fortify what ground they should get in. This touched my Lord deeply, that he should be so little considered as to put him on a business in which he should probably not only lose his reputation, but be charged with all the miscarriage and ill success; whereas, at first they promised 6,000 foot and 600 horse effective.

Evelyn's Diary. 16 May 1681. Came my [his wife] Lady Sunderland (age 35), to desire that I would propose a match to Sir Stephen Fox (age 54) for her [his son] son (age 6), Lord Spencer, to marry Mrs. Jane (age 12), Sir Stephen's daughter. I excused myself all I was able; for the truth is, I was afraid he would prove an extravagant man: for, though a youth of extraordinary parts, and had an excellent education to render him a worthy man, yet his early inclinations to extravagance made me apprehensive, that I should not serve Sir Stephen by proposing it, like a friend; this being now his only daughter, well-bred, and likely to receive a large share of her father's opulence. Lord Sunderland (age 39) was much sunk in his estate by gaming and other prodigalities, and was now no longer Secretary of State, having fallen into displeasure of the King (age 50) for siding with the Commons about the succession; but which, I am assured, he did not do out of his own inclination, or for the preservation of the Protestant religion, but by mistaking the ability of the party to carry it. However, so earnest and importunate was the Countess, that I did mention it to Sir Stephen, who said it was too great an honor, that his daughter was very young, as well as my Lord, and he was resolved never to marry her without the parties' mutual liking; with other objections which I neither would or could contradict. He desired me to express to the Countess the great sense he had of the honor done him, that his daughter and her son were too young, that he would do nothing without her liking, which he did not think her capable of expressing judiciously, till she was sixteen or seventeen years of age, of which she now wanted four years, and that I would put it off as civilly as I could.

Evelyn's Diary. 02 Jun 1681. I went to Hampton Court [Map], when the Surrey gentlemen presented their addresses to his Majesty (age 51), whose hand I kissed, introduced by the Duke of Albemarle (age 27). Being at the Privy Council, I took another occasion of discoursing with Sir Stephen Fox (age 54) about his daughter (age 12) and to revive that business, and at least brought it to this: That in case the young people liked one the other, after four years, he first desiring to see a particular of my Lord's (age 39) present estate if I could transmit it to him privately, he would make her portion £14,000, though to all appearance he might likely make it £50,000 as easily, his [his son] eldest son (age 15) having no child and growing very corpulent.

Evelyn's Diary. 17 Jun 1683. I dined at the Earl of Sunderland's (age 41) with the Earls of Bath (age 54), Castlehaven (age 66), Lords Viscount Falconberg (age 56), Falkland (age 27), Bishop of London, the Grand Master of Malta, brother to the Duke de Vendôme (a young wild spark), and Mr. Dryden (age 51), the poet. After evening prayer, I walked in the park with my Lord Clarendon, where we fell into discourse of the Bishop of Salisbury (Dr. Seth Ward), his subtlety, etc. Dr. Durell, late Dean of Windsor, being dead, Dr. Turner, one of the Duke's chaplains was made dean.

In 1684 [his son-in-law] Donough Maccarthy 4th Earl Clancarty (age 16) and [his daughter] Elizabeth Spencer Countess Clancarty (age 13) were married. She by marriage Countess Clancarty. She the daughter of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 42) and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland (age 38). He the son of Callaghan Maccarthy 3rd Earl Clancarty and Elizabeth Fitzgerald Countess Clancarty (age 42).

Evelyn's Diary. 27 Jan 1685. I din'd at Lord Sunderland's (age 43), being invited to heare that celebrated voice of Mr. Pordage, newly come from Rome; his singing was after the Venetian recitative, as masterly as could be, and with an excellent voice both treble and basse; Dr. Walgrave accompanied it with his theorba lute, on which he perform'd beyond imagination, and is doubtlesse orie of the greatest masters in Europe on that charming in strument. Pordage is a priest, as Mr. Bernard Howard (age 44) told me in private. There was in the roome where we din'd, and in his bed-chamber, those incomparable pieces of Columbus, a Flagellation, the Grammar-schoole, the Venus and Adonis of Titian; and of Vandyke's that picture of the [his father-in-law] late E. of Digby (father of the [his wife] Countess of Sunderland (age 39)), and Earle of Bedford (age 68), Sr Kenelm Digby, and two Ladys of incomparable performance; besides that of Moses and the burning bush of Bassano, and several other pieces of ye best masters. A marble head of M. Brutus, &c.

Evelyn's Diary. 06 Sep 1685. I din'd at Lord Sunderland's (age 44), with (amongst others) Sr Wm Soames (age 40), design'd Ambass. to Constantinople.

Combermere Papers. In 1685 Sir Robert (age 50) was committed to the Tower [Map] on a charge of treasonable correspondence with the Electress Sophia (age 54). The following is a copy of the warrant for his committal:

Robert Earl of Sunderland Baron Spencer & c & c

These are in His Majesty's name to authorize and require you to receive into your custodie the bodie of Sir Robert Cotton of Cheshire herewith sent to you for dangerous and treasonable practices !Keep him safe and close till he be discharged by due course of law for which this shall be your warrant.

Given at the Court at Windsor the 23rd daye of September 1685

SUNDERLAND [Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 44)]

To the Lieutenant of the Tower

Evelyn's Diary. 04 Dec 1685. Lord Sunderland (age 44) was declar'd President of ye Counsel, and yet to hold his Secretarie's place. The forces dispos'd into severall quarters thro' ye kingdome are very insolent, on wch are greate complaints. Lord Brandon (age 67) tried for the late conspiracy, was condemn'd and pardon'd; so was Lord Grey (age 30), his accuser and witnesse.

In 1686 [his son-in-law] James Hamilton Duke Hamilton, 1st Duke Brandon (age 27) and [his daughter] Anne Spencer Countess Arran (age 19) were married. He by marriage Duke Hamilton. She the daughter of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 44) and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland (age 40). He the son of William Hamilton 1st Duke Hamilton (age 51) and Anne Hamilton 3rd Duchess Hamilton (age 54).

Evelyn's Diary. 19 Feb 1686. Many bloody and notorious duels were fought about this time. The Duke of Grafton (age 22) kill'd Mr. Stanley, brother to the Earle of Shrewsbury (age 25), indeede upon an almost insufferable provocation. It is to be hop'd his Ma* (age 52) will at last severely remedy this unchristian custome. Lord Sunderland (age 44) was now Secretary of State, President of the Council, and Premier Minister.

Evelyn's Diary. 14 Jul 1686. Was sealed at our office the constitution of certain commissioners to take upon them full power of all Ecclesiastical affairs, in as unlimited a manner, or rather greater, than the late High Commission-Court, abrogated by Parliament; for it had not only faculty to inspect and visit all Bishops' dioceses, but to change what laws and statutes they should think fit to alter among the colleges, though founded by private men; to punish, suspend, fine, etc., give oaths and call witnesses. The main drift was to suppress zealous preachers. In sum, it was the whole power of a Vicar-General-note the consequence! Of the clergy the commissioners were the Archbishop of Canterbury [Sancroft] (age 69), Bishop of Durham [Crewe] (age 53), and Rochester [Sprat] (age 51); of the Temporals, the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Chancellor [Jefferies] (age 41) (who alone was ever to be of the quorum), the Chief justice [Herbert] (age 38), and Lord President [Earl of Sunderland] (age 44).

In 1687 Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 45) was appointed 494th Knight of the Garter by King James II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 53).

Evelyn's Diary. 12 May 1687. To London. Lord Sunderland (age 45) being Lord President and Secretary of State, was made Knight of the Garter and Prime favorite. This day there was such a storm of wind as had seldom happened, being a sort of hurricane. It kept the flood out of the Thames, so that people went on foot over several places above bridge. Also an earthquake in several places in England about the time of the storm.

Evelyn's Diary. 12 Jan 1688. My [his son-in-law] Lord Arran (age 29), eldest son to the Duke of Hamilton (age 53), being now married to [his daughter] Lady Ann Spencer (age 21), eldest daughter of the Earl of Sunderland (age 46), Lord President of the Council, I and my family had most glorious favors sent us, the wedding being celebrated with extraordinary splendor.

Evelyn's Diary. 18 Aug 1688. The house, or rather palace, at Althorpe [Map], is a noble uniform pile in form of a half H, built of brick and freestone, balustered and à la moderne; the hall is well, the staircase excellent; the rooms of state, galleries, offices and furniture, such as may become a great prince. It is situated in the midst of a garden, exquisitely planted and kept, and all this in a park walled in with hewn stone, planted with rows and walks of trees, canals and fish ponds, and stored with game. And, what is above all this, governed by a [his wife] lady (age 42), who without any show of solicitude, keeps everything in such admirable order, both within and without, from the garret to the cellar, that I do not believe there is any in this nation, or in any other, that exceeds her in such exact order, without ostentation, but substantially great and noble. The meanest servant is lodged so neat and cleanly; the service at the several tables, the good order and decency-in a word, the entire economy is perfectly becoming a wise and noble person. She is one who for her distinguished esteem of me from a long and worthy friendship, I must ever honor and celebrate. I wish from my soul the Lord (age 46), her husband (whose parts and abilities are otherwise conspicuous), was as worthy of her, as by a fatal apostasy and court-ambition he has made himself unworthy! This is what she deplores, and it renders her as much affliction as a lady of great soul and much prudence is capable of. The [his mother-in-law] Countess of Bristol (age 68), her mother, a grave and honorable lady, has the comfort of seeing her daughter and grandchildren under the same economy, especially [his son] Mr. Charles Spencer (age 13), a youth of extraordinary hopes, very learned for his age, and ingenious, and under a Governor of great worth. Happy were it, could as much be said of the elder brother, the [his son] Lord Spencer, who, rambling about the world, dishonors both his name and his family, adding sorrow to sorrow to a mother, who has taken all imaginable care of his education. There is a [his daughter] daughter (age 17) very young married to the [his son-in-law] Earl of Clancarty (age 20), who has a great and fair estate in Ireland, but who yet gives no great presage of worth,-so universally contaminated is the youth of this corrupt and abandoned age! But this is again recompensed by my [his son-in-law] Lord Arran (age 30), a sober and worthy gentleman, who has espoused the [his daughter] Lady Ann Spencer (age 21), a young lady of admirable accomplishments and virtue.

Evelyn's Diary. 29 Oct 1688. [his wife] Lady Sunderland (age 42) acquainted me with his Majesty's (age 55) taking away the Seals from Lord Sunderland (age 47), and of her being with the Queen (age 30) to intercede for him. It is conceived that he had of late grown remiss in pursuing the interest of the Jesuitical counsels; some reported one thing, some another; but there was doubtless some secret betrayed, which time may discover.

Evelyn's Diary. 30 Oct 1688. I dined with Lord Preston (age 39), made Secretary of State, in the place of the Earl of Sunderland (age 47).

Evelyn's Diary. 09 Dec 1688. Lord Sunderland (age 47) meditates flight. The rabble demolished all Popish chapels, and several Papist lords and gentlemen's houses, especially that of the Spanish Ambassador, which they pillaged, and burned his library.

Evelyn's Diary. 18 Dec 1688. I saw the King (age 55) take barge to Gravesend, Kent [Map] at twelve o'clock-a sad sight! The Prince (age 38) comes to St. James's [Map], and fills Whitehall with Dutch guards. A Council of Peers meet about an expedient to call a Parliament; adjourn to the House of Lords. The Chancellor, Earl of Peterborough (age 67), and divers others taken. The Earl of Sunderland (age 47) flies; Sir Edward Hale (age 43), Walker, and others, taken and secured.

Evelyn's Diary. 12 Oct 1690. The French General, with Tyrconnel (age 60) and their forces, gone back to France, beaten out by King William. Cork [Map] delivered on discretion. The Duke of Grafton (deceased) was there mortally wounded and dies. Very great storms of wind. The 8th of this month Lord Spencer (age 49) wrote me word from Althorpe [Map], that there happened an earthquake the day before in the morning, which, though short, sensibly shook the house. The "Gazette" acquainted us that the like happened at the same time, half-past seven, at Barnstaple, Devon, Holyhead, Anglesey, and Dublin [Map]. We were not sensible of it here.

Evelyn's Diary. 24 Apr 1691. I visited the Earl (age 49) and [his wife] Countess of Sunderland (age 45), now come to kiss the King's (age 40) hand after his return from Holland. This is a mystery. The King preparing to return to the army.

In Feb 1695 [his son] Charles Spencer 3rd Earl of Sunderland (age 19) and [his daughter-in-law] Arabella Cavendish (age 21) were married. She the daughter of Henry Cavendish 2nd Duke Newcastle upon Tyne and Frances Pierrepont Duchess Newcastle upon Tyne (age 64). He the son of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 53) and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland (age 49).

Evelyn's Diary. 10 Mar 1695. I dined at the Earl of Sunderland's (age 53) with [his son] Lord Spencer (age 19). My Lord showed me his library, now again improved by many books bought at the sale of Sir Charles Scarborough, an eminent physician, which was the very best collection, especially of mathematical books, that was I believe in Europe, once designed for the King's Library at St. James's; but the Queen dying, who was the great patroness of that design, it was let fall, and the books were miserably dissipated.

Evelyn's Diary. 13 Nov 1695. Famous fireworks and very chargeable, the King (age 45) being returned from his progress. He stayed seven or eight days at Lord Sunderland's (age 54) at Althorpe [Map], where he was mightily entertained. These fireworks were shown before [his uncle] Lord Romney (age 54), Master of the Ordnance, in St. James's great square, where the King stood.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Dec 1695. I dined at Lord Sunderland's (age 54), now the great favorite and underhand politician, but not adventuring on any character, being obnoxious to the people for having twice changed his religion.

Evelyn's Diary. 06 May 1696. I went to Lambeth [Map], to meet at dinner the Countess of Sunderland (age 54) and divers ladies. We dined in the Archbishop's wife's apartment with his Grace (age 59), and stayed late; yet I returned to Deptford, Kent [Map] at night.

Sherborne Abbey [Map]. On 12 Sep 1698 [his brother-in-law] John Digby 3rd Earl Bristol (age 64) died without issue. Earl Bristol extinct. In May 1658 Alice Bourne died. On 16 Feb 1709 Rachel Wyndham (age 53) died. William and Mary. Monument sculpted by John Nost.

Alice Bourne: she was born to Robert Bourne of Blake Hall in Essex. On 26 May 1656 John Digby 3rd Earl Bristol and she were married. He the son of George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol and Anne Russell Countess Bristol.

Rachel Wyndham: Around 1645 she was born to Hugh Wyndham Baron of the Exchequer and Jane Wodehouse. After May 1658 John Digby 3rd Earl Bristol and she were married. He the son of George Digby 2nd Earl Bristol and Anne Russell Countess Bristol.

Evelyn's Diary. 25 Sep 1698. Dr. Foy came to me to use my interest with Lord Sunderland (age 57) for his being made Professor of Physic at Oxford, in the King's gift. I went also to the Archbishop (age 61) in his behalf.

Before 02 Dec 1700 [his son] Charles Spencer 3rd Earl of Sunderland (age 25) and [his daughter-in-law] Anne Churchill Countess Sunderland (age 17) were married. She the daughter of John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough (age 50) and Sarah Jennings Duchess of Marlborough (age 40). He the son of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 59) and [his wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland (age 54).

On 28 Sep 1702 Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland (age 61) died at Althorp House, Northamptonshire [Map]. His son [his son] Charles Spencer 3rd Earl of Sunderland (age 27) succeeded 3rd Earl of Sunderland, 5th Baron Spencer Wormleighton. [his daughter-in-law] Anne Churchill Countess Sunderland (age 19) by marriage Countess of Sunderland.

On 26 Apr 1715 [his former wife] Anne Digby Countess Sunderland (age 69) died.

Royal Ancestors of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland 1641-1702

Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 15 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 21 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 16 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings England: Great x 9 Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 17 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 15 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks

Kings France: Great x 11 Grand Son of Philip IV King France

Royal Descendants of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland 1641-1702

Diana Spencer Princess Wales

Ancestors of Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland 1641-1702

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Spencer

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Spencer

Great x 4 Grandmother: Susan Knightley

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Spencer

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Kitson

Great x 3 Grandmother: Katherine Kitson

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Donnington Countess Bath

Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Spencer 1st Baron Spencer

Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Catlyn

GrandFather: William Spencer 2nd Baron Spencer 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Willoughby 10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Henry Willoughby 11 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Filiol

Great x 2 Grandfather: Francis Willoughby 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Grey 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Wotton Marchioness Dorset

Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Willoughby 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Lyttelton

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Lyttelton of Frankley 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Talbot 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Lyttelton 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Pakington of Hampton Lovett

Great x 3 Grandmother: Bridget Packington

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Dacres

Father: Henry Spencer 1st Earl of Sunderland 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Wriothesley

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Wriothesley 1st Earl of Southampton

Great x 4 Grandmother: Agnes Drayton of London

Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Wriothesley 2nd Earl of Southampton

Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Wriothesley 3rd Earl of Southampton 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Anthony Browne 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Anthony Browne 1st Viscount Montagu 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Gage

Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Browne Countess Southampton 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Radclyffe 1st Earl of Sussex 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Radclyffe 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Stanley Countess Sussex 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

GrandMother: Penelope Wriothesley Baroness Spencer Wormleighton 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry IV of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Humphrey Vernon 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: George Vernon 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Ludlow 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry IV of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Vernon 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry IV of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Elizabeth Vernon Countess Southampton 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry IV of England

Robert Spencer 2nd Earl of Sunderland 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Nicholas Sidney

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Sidney

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Brandon

Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Sidney

Great x 4 Grandfather: Hugh Pakenham

Great x 3 Grandmother: Anne Pakenham

Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Sidney 1st Earl of Leicester 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Edmund Dudley 7 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Dudley 1st Duke Northumberland 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Grey Viscountess Lisle 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Mary Dudley 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Edward Guildford

Great x 3 Grandmother: Jane Guildford Duchess Northumberland 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor West 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England

GrandFather: Robert Sidney 2nd Earl of Leicester 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Gamage

Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Gamage of Coity Castle 10 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret St John 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Gamage of Coity Castle 11 x Great Grand Son of King John of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Barbara Gamage Countess Leicester 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Mother: Dorothy Sidney Countess Sunderland 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Percy 5th Earl of Northumberland 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Percy 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Katherine Spencer Countess Northumberland 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Percy 8th Earl of Northumberland 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Guiscard Harbottle 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Harbottle 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Jane Willoughby 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry "Wizard Earl" Percy 9th Earl of Northumberland 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Neville 3rd Baron Latimer 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Neville 4th Baron Latimer of Snape 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Dorothy de Vere 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Katherine Neville Countess Northumberland 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Somerset 2nd Earl of Worcester 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Lucy Somerset Baroness Latimer Snape 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Browne Countess of Worcester 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

GrandMother: Dorothy Percy Countess Leicester 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Walter Devereux 1st Viscount Hereford 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Devereux 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Grey Baroness Ferrers Chartley 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: George Hastings 1st Earl Huntingdon 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Dorothy Hastings 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Stafford Countess Huntingdon 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Dorothy Devereux Countess Northumberland 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Knollys

Great x 3 Grandfather: Francis Knollys

Great x 4 Grandmother: Lettice Peniston

Great x 2 Grandmother: Lettice Knollys Countess Essex 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Carey 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Carey 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary Boleyn 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward I of England