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George Harry Grey (7th Earl Stamford), Elizabeth Billage and their possible illegitimate daughter

George Harry Grey (7th Earl Stamford), Elizabeth Billage and their possible illegitimate daughter

Posted: 30 Jun 2015 5:04AM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: Grey Billage King Nixson
I am after assistance in proving or disproving if George Harry Grey (7th Earl Stamford) had an illegitimate daughter - Ellen Susan Grey Billage - from his later wife Elizabeth Billage.

George Harry Grey (1827-1883) was member of the British peerage, Baron Grey of Groby, Early of Stamford and Earl of Warrington. Son of George Harry Grey, Lord Grey of Groby, and Katherine Charteris-Wemyss-Douglas.

Elizabeth Billage (1823-1854). Daughter of John Billage, and shoe or boot maker and Susan King. Billage family was resident in Cambridge by 1841 census.

George Harry Grey and Elizabeth Billage married in Brighton 23 Decemebr 1848. Apparently they ran away or eloped, much to the horror of George's aristocratic peers.

Elizabeth Billage had a daughter - Ellen Susan Billage - born 5 February 1843. The birth certificate lists no father.

I have found a number of reference to Elizabeth being George's mistress during his time at Trinity College, which corresponds roughly with Ellen's birth. (John Billage is also known as George's servant at some point during his tenure in Cambridge).

Every source I have found online states that George Harry Grey had no offspring (from his marriage to Elizabeth Billage, or his second marriage), and Elizabeth is also listed as having no issue (blatantly incorrect as she has the daughter born before her marriage).

Ellen Susan Billage is listed in the 1851 census as a scholar at a lady's school run by Elizabeth Killick, at 1 Royal Cresent, Kensington.

9 June 1852 Ellen is baptised Ellen Susan Grey Billage at St George, Hannover Square.

Child's Christian Name: Ellen Susan Grey
Parent's Christian Names: George Harry & Elizabeth
Parent's Surname: Billage
Abode: Hill Street
When Born: 5 Feb 1843
Quality, Trade or Profession: Gentleman
By Whom Ceremony Was Performed: Henry Howarth.

Ellen Susan Grey Billage goes on to marry Arthur Francis Nixson 6 March 1860

None of the information is conclusive but it feels like Ellen Susan Billage was George Harry Grey's daughter. And if she wasn't he seems to have done a lot to support her - expensive ladies school, and even given her his name to a degree when she is finally baptised. But there is nothing definite.

If anyone would be able to suggest sources to assist in finding if Ellen was indeed George's daughter it would be much appreciated. I assume there is probably references somewhere in personal letters, journals, etc. but wouldn't even know how to start looking for such.

Thanks

Scott Butler
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