Greville Family Genealogy & History

Dame Margaret Helen Greville was a distinguished British society hostess and philanthropist, renowned for her influential role in high society and her close friendship with Queen Mary. Known for her lavish social gatherings at Polesden Lacey, she was a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Her legacy includes bequeathing an extensive jewelry collection to Queen Elizabeth, featuring pieces like the Greville Tiara and emerald Kokoshnik tiara. Her contributions continue to resonate, especially within the British royal family.

Margaret Helen Greville was born to William McEwan, a brewery multimillionaire and Member of Parliament, and Helen Anderson, his mistress, later wife. Her family background was marked by wealth and societal prominence, with her father purchasing Polesden Lacey for her in 1906.

Charles Francis Greville was a prominent British antiquarian and politician who served in the House of Commons from 1774 to 1790. Known for his extensive art collections and contributions to the British Museum, Greville was a Fellow of the Royal Society with a keen interest in minerals and horticulture. He played a significant role in the development of Milford Haven, a strategic seaport in South Wales, and was instrumental in the early organization of what would become the Royal Horticultural Society. Greville is also remembered for his close association with Emma Hamilton, whom he introduced to the artist George Romney.

Born on May 12, 1749, Greville was the second son of Francis Greville, 1st Earl of Warwick, and Elizabeth Hamilton. His siblings included George Greville, 2nd Earl of Warwick, and Robert Fulke Greville. Raised at Warwick Castle, his family lineage was deeply rooted in British nobility, with his father successfully reviving the prestigious title of Earl of Warwick. This noble heritage provided Greville with a formidable family background, positioning him within the upper echelons of British society.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hon. Robert Fulke Greville FRS (1751–1824) was a distinguished British Army officer, courtier, and politician. He served as an equerry to King George III during the monarch's episodes of mental illness, documenting these events in diaries that became sources for the play and film "The Madness of George III." Greville held parliamentary roles for Warwick and New Windsor, supported the Tory government, and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1794. His connections with notable figures like Fanny Burney and Lady Hamilton further underline his prominence in 18th-century British society.

Robert Fulke Greville was the third son of Francis Greville, 1st Earl of Warwick, and Elizabeth Hamilton. He was a younger brother to George Greville, 2nd Earl of Warwick, and Charles Francis Greville, establishing his roots in a prominent British aristocratic family. His marriage to Louisa Murray, his first cousin and widow of David Murray, ties him to the Cathcart lineage, further enriching his familial connections.

Mount Greville, a striking cone-shaped mountain located in South East Queensland, Australia, is renowned for its dramatic landscape and ecological significance. Rising 720 meters above sea level, this peak is part of the Moogerah Peaks National Park and offers breathtaking views of the Scenic Rim. Named in 1828 by European explorer Allan Cunningham, the mountain honors Scottish botanist Robert Kaye Greville. The mountain features Palm Gorge, home to a nearly pure stand of Piccabeen Palms, and provides challenging yet rewarding hiking trails through Eucalyptus dura forests, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.