The Creevey Papers
Thomas Creevey, Journal entry, 30 October 1809
“30th.—Arrive at
Whitbread’s—Southill,
Bedfordshire—Whitbread and Lady Elizabeth Whitbread (sister to Lord Grey) quite delighted to see us. Nothing but
politicks between Whitbread and me from the moment we meet
just before dinner till bedtime. Quite against Canning and the whole Government—approves Lord
Grey’s letter to Perceval very much, but agrees with me that in the general
sentiments he delivers upon all publick subjects, he talks like a madman. I
tell him everything that has passed at Howick, about which he just thinks with
me.
George Canning (1770-1827)
Tory statesman; he was foreign minister (1807-1809) and prime minister (1827); a
supporter of Greek independence and Catholic emancipation.
Charles Grey, second earl Grey (1764-1845)
Whig statesman and lover of the Duchess of Devonshire; the second son of the first earl
(d. 1807), he was prime minister (1831-34).
Spencer Perceval (1762-1812)
English statesman; chancellor of the exchequer (1807), succeeded the Duke of Portland as
prime minister (1809); he was assassinated in the House of Commons.
Lady Elizabeth Whitbread [née Grey] (d. 1846)
The daughter of General Charles Grey, first Earl Grey; in 1788 she married the brewer and
politician Samuel Whitbread. Maria Edgeworth described her as “in one word,
delightful.”
Samuel Whitbread (1764-1815)
The son of the brewer Samuel Whitbread (1720-96); he was a Whig MP for Bedford, involved
with the reorganization of Drury Lane after the fire of 1809; its financial difficulties
led him to suicide.
