Background
The eldest son of Robert Shirley, he became a courtesy viscount after his father succeeded his brother in the earldom in 1778. He succeeded his father in the earldom in 1787.
Volunteer Infantry Antiquaries of London
The eldest son of Robert Shirley, he became a courtesy viscount after his father succeeded his brother in the earldom in 1778. He succeeded his father in the earldom in 1787.
On 4 July 1781, both Ferrers and Tamworth were appointed deputy lieutenants for Derbyshire. Ferrers was named a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1788, and was much interested in genealogy. Robert married Elizabeth Prentiss (d 14 September 1799) on 13 March 1778 at Street Leonard"s, Shoreditch.
They had one son:
Robert Sewallis Shirley, Viscount Tamworth (9 November 1778 – 6 June 1824), married on 5 August 1800 to Honorary
Sophia Caroline Curzon, daughter of Nathaniel Curzon, 2nd Baron Scarsdale, without legitimate issue. Left a natural daughter, Caroline (1818–1897).
He purchased a commission as cornet and sub-lieutenant in the 2nd Regiment of Life Guards on 6 October 1798, was promoted into the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards as a lieutenant on 4 November 1800, and retired from the Army in January 1802. He was commissioned major of the Derby Regiment of Volunteer Infantry (militia) on 26 April 1804.