The Grosvenors And Chester

I saw an article a few days ago announcing that the 7th Duke of Westminster Hugh, or Hughie to those that know him best (that will be Hugh or Duke to me then), is (still) the richest person in the world under 30 years of age. His estimated wealth is said to be £10.295 billion. That’s not too shabby is it. How is that Chester related news you may ask? I must admit myself, I have never really fully looked in to the history of the relationship between the Grosvenors and Chester. So, I thought I’d have a quick shuftie.

The Grosvenors And Chester

As I mentioned above, Hugh is the richest person on the planet under the age of 30. Just to confirm, he also makes the overall list of wealthiest people in the world. His standing in the latest Rich List is at number 10. A leap of 4 places compared with last year’s list. Nice one Hughie……er, I mean Hugh. Or should that be Duke? How exactly do you address a Duke by the way?

All very impressive figures but as I say, what about the Grosvenors and Chester. What is the connection? Before I get into some of the detail, I do wonder if this type of local history is taught in our local schools? I left school a fair few months ago (about 550 months to be precise) and I know it wasn’t taught in my day. Is it today? I don’t know. It should be I reckon.

The Grosvenors And Chester – A Brief Background

Going hand in hand with the history of the Grosvenors is the title of Duke of Westminster. You may know the link between the two, but for those who don’t, have a quick look at this.

The title of Duke of Westminster is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1874 by Queen Victoria and was first bestowed upon Hugh Grosvenor, 3rd Marquess of Westminster.

It is the most recent dukedom awarded to someone not related to the British Royal Family. Fair do’s, that is some honour and privilege to have bestowed on anyone.

Fast forward to today and you will now probably know that Hugh Richard Louis Grosvenor, is the 7th Duke of Westminster. 

So how many “greats” in the relationship between the Hugh of 1874 and today’s Hugh? Hugh of 1874 must be something like today’s Hugh great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather. I’m not sure, but you can see how and where the title started. And how modern day Hugh is connected to the title.

Hugh was known as Earl Grosvenor until August 2016 when, upon the death of his father Gerald, he became Duke of Westminster. The actual date was 9 August 2016.

Hugh is the third child and only son of Gerald Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster, and his wife Natalia (née Phillips).

The Grosvenors And Their Wealth-Early Days

Way back as far as the early 15th century the Grosvenors main residence was Eaton on the outskirts of Chester. Maybe it was earlier but the early part of the 15th century is the earliest period I can find mentioned.

In the year 1677 the family acquired the Middlesex manor (manor!!! doesn’t that sound so very London – it’s like a line out of an old episode of Minder!!!) of Ebury in Westminster in London.

Obviously this acquisition turned out to be quite a decent investment. He said stating the obvious!!

18th Century Onwards

From the 18th century the family’s wealth rose very quickly to such an extent they became one of Britain’s wealthiest.

The initial basis however of the family wealth was lead mining in Flintshire. However, that was very soon overtaken by the vast city rents earned from the successive development of Mayfair (1720s-1770s), Belgravia (1820s-1850s), and Pimlico (1830s and later) on their London estate. Or should I say manor?

Today it is estimated that the Duke owns 200 acres of Belgravia and 100 acres of Mayfair. Add to that of course all his other properties, including his sprawling estate in Chester, and you get an idea of how impressively successful the Grosvenors have been. In layman’s terms, all the property above equals……mega wonga!!!!

Also from the 18th century the Grosvenors played a large part in the life of Chester residents and businesses as landlords and patrons.

Their main residence (or seat as they were also known as) Eaton Hall was only three miles from the Cross in Chester city centre.

How many of us have been for a walk down the Duke of Westminster’s Drive? Or gone on a bike ride down there? I have. Many times. Well a bit of history about that Drive.

An approach from Handbridge along tree-lined avenues to Eaton was created through a very carefully managed development in 1805.

From the late 17th century to the late 1820s the Grosvenor’s support in Chester predominantly had a political purpose. The result being they dominated the Assembly (the governing body of the city) and monopolised Chester’s parliamentary representation.

Overall the family’s influence remained significant even when it was separated from direct political interests after the 1820s.

The Grosvenors And Chester – Some Of The Support Provided

During the rest of the 19th century and the early 20th, the Marquess and Dukes of Westminster did significantly provide considerable support for the people of Chester.

They paid for schools, curates, a new parish church, two public parks, and a nurses’ home. They also owned the right to nominate clergymen to two of the city’s parish churches. In addition they supported Chester races and were major benefactors of the Royal Infirmary and the Grosvenor Museum.

They were also supporters of innumerable philanthropic activities and had the Grosvenor Bridge named after them.

More Recently

Moving forward into the 20th century their property interests in Chester grew. This included ownership of the Grosvenor Centre in the middle of the city centre and a huge business park on the southern outskirts.

One of the business interests the Grosvenors own is the Grosvenor Group. On our doorstep as we know is Liverpool. The Grosvenor Group was heavily involved in recent transformations in our neighbouring city. For instance, in March 2000, Liverpool City Council selected the Grosvenor Group as developer for Liverpool One. The Development Agreement between Liverpool Council and the Grosvenor Group was signed in January 2003.

This development has been a huge success. The scheme has been rightly recognised as the single most influential property investment in the city’s modern history. It has re-cast Liverpool as a thriving leisure and tourism destination and providing a focal point for multiple developments and investments since.   

For those of us who remember Liverpool pre-Liverpool One and today’s, post Liverpool One development, will have noticed the huge change in the city’s landscape. I’ve worked in the city centre on and off over many years. It’s a great city to work in and to visit socially, or for a bit of retail therapy of course. Much of today’s attraction is down to the Grosvenors.

There you go, a brief summary of the Grosvenors and Chester. How they are connected to Chester, their award of the title of Duke of Westminster and a summary of their business interests.

The Grosvenors And Chester – What About Today’s Hugh?

Little is known about our Hughie’s (sorry m’lud, I mean Hugh) private life. And why should there be really. Just because he has a bob or two and he is a very important figure to have in and around Chester doesn’t mean to say we should need to know about his private life.

Little bits we do know though is that he is the godfather of Prince George Of Cambridge. Prince William and Kate Middleton’s son in case you didn’t know who Prince George was. Mind you, that is not really an insight into his private life though is it. That’s in the public domain.

Also in the public domain but maybe also an insight into the type of person he may be, he very recently made a huge financial contribution to the NHS. A cool £12.5 million in fact.

I’ve heard some say that that is a drop in the ocean to his overall wealth. So what. He didn’t need to make any contribution at all did he? A sum of £12.5 million is an impressive contribution in anyone’s book. I’m sure whoever received the contribution within the NHS didn’t belittle the gesture by saying “how much….is that all!!” Good effort Hugh.

Hugh The 7th Duke Of Westminster Private Life – My Own Guesswork

I’m going to go out on a limb here and I’m going to make my own guess as to something about Hugh’s private life. Sorry m’lud but I’m going for it. Can I feel the cold steel of a blade on my neck yet? No, not at all. But I’m going to take a punt nevertheless irrespective of feeling cold steel or not.

Here I go. Bravely sticking my neck out and fearlessly going into the unknown. This doesn’t faze me. Even watching every episode of Spooks (great series by the way) and seeing how MI5 operate, I’m not going to back off.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that Hugh attended Ellesmere College in Shropshire between the years of 2000 to 2009. That’s not spectacular or scandalous you may be saying. And quite right too.

But, very importantly and significantly, in his last year he played a bit of footie. Well, more than a bit of footie as it happens. He was not only playing, he was also captain of the first XI.

So, my bold prediction about his private life is that he is a footie fan. How’s that. There, I’ve said it. A bold, fearless statement or what. I can just picture the Spooks at Thames House now. Tuning in to my every keystroke and poised ready to pounce. (NB- Hang on I’ll be back in a minute – someone’s trying to kick our front door down!!!).

I’ll really risk a night in The Tower now as well. My reckoning is, he was a central defender?

Well, I’ve said it now. I’ll even go a bit further and suggest that there’s a fair chance that others in his family line were footie fans. For instance, his grandfather or great grandfather maybe.

The Duke And Chester FC Back In The 60’s

Has it ever been confirmed that back in the early 1960’s the Duke at the time offered to support Chester FC financially if they agreed to play in his family’s coat of arms colours? Many of us have heard this story many times over the years. Is it true? I’m not sure. I don’t know who is sure. Are you reading Hugh? If so, maybe drop me a line?

Wasn’t his grandfather or great grandfather a President of Chester FC, or a patron? Maybe a Chester FC fan can let me know.

The Duke Of Westminster – I’ve Just Realised

As I’m coming to the end of this latest Chester Lifestyle blog post, I’ve just realised. And I’m sure some of you have twigged as well. Yes, he may be worth £10.295 billion and yes, he may be one of, if not THE, most eligible bachelors in the world (not my assumption – that credit goes to the national press).

And he may have a decent sized house in Eaton with a reasonable garden size and the top of the range ‘sit on’ lawn mower going, but what hasn’t he got?

Does he wake up every morning and wonder. “Why not me?” “If only………”

I’m actually amazed I haven’t addressed it myself as yet being honest with you. But suffice to say, I will be on the case now. That’s for sure. I’m going to bestow the ultimate accolade on the 7th Duke Of Westminster.

You’ve got it. I’m finally going to add him to my “Famous People From Chester” page. How’s that. Now you’ve made it m’lud!!!

Hey, I’ve just thought. When I do that, does that mean I can call him Hughie??

Thanks for reading folks. A quick summary of our famous Chester, near city centre resident. I know his father Gerald used to pop into The Falcon now and then a few years ago for a pint of bitter. If, like his Dad, Hugh likes a pint of bitter, drop me a line and I’ll get you a pint in in The Cottage after we’re out of lockdown. Sorted!!!

Stay safe one and all.

By the way, you can read more about the 7th Duke Of Westminster HERE.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

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Famous People From Chester

Also, I touched on the subject of my “Famous People From Chester” page above and how worthy Hugh’s addition would be. To see who is already included in this prestigious page (OK, I’m bigging it up a bit!!!), have a look at this link HERE.

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