Biography of Robert Spencer 1st Viscount Teviot 1629-1694

In 1615 [his father] William Spencer 2nd Baron Spencer (age 23) and [his mother] Penelope Wriothesley Baroness Spencer Wormleighton (age 16) were married. She by marriage Baroness Spencer Wormleighton. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Henry Wriothesley 3rd Earl of Southampton (age 41) and [his grandmother] Elizabeth Vernon Countess Southampton (age 43). They were fifth cousin once removed.

Before 2nd February 1629 Robert Spencer 1st Viscount Teviot was born to William Spencer 2nd Baron Spencer (age 38) and Penelope Wriothesley Baroness Spencer Wormleighton (age 30) at Althorp House, Northamptonshire [Map].

On 2nd February 1629 Robert Spencer 1st Viscount Teviot was baptised.

On 19th December 1636 [his father] William Spencer 2nd Baron Spencer (age 45) died. His son [his brother] Henry (age 16) succeeded 3rd Baron Spencer Wormleighton.

John Evelyn's Diary. 28th May 1656. The [his uncle] Earl of Southampton (age 49) (since Treasurer) and Mr. Spencer (age 27), brother to the [his brother] Earl of Sunderland, came to see my garden.

On 16th July 1667 [his mother] Penelope Wriothesley Baroness Spencer Wormleighton (age 68) died.

John Evelyn's Diary. 15th July 1669. Having two days before had notice that the University intended me the honor of Doctorship, I was this morning attended by the beadles belonging to the Law, who conducted me to the Theater, where I found the Duke of Ormond (age 58) (now Chancellor of the University) with the Earl of Chesterfield (age 35) and Mr. Spencer (age 40) (brother to the late Earl of Sunderland). Thence, we marched to the Convocation House, a convocation having been called on purpose; here, being all of us robed in the porch, in scarlet with caps and hoods, we were led in by the Professor of Laws, and presented respectively by name, with a short eulogy, to the Vice-Chancellor, who sat in the chair, with all the Doctors and Heads of Houses and masters about the room, which was exceedingly full. Then, began the Public Orator his speech, directed chiefly to the Duke of Ormond, the Chancellor; but in which I had my compliment, in course. This ended, we were called up, and created Doctors according to the form, and seated by the Vice-Chancellor among the Doctors, on his right hand; then, the Vice-Chancellor made a short speech, and so, saluting our brother Doctors, the pageantry concluded, and the convocation was dissolved. So formal a creation of honorary Doctors had seldom been seen, that a convocation should be called on purpose, and speeches made by the Orator; but they could do no less, their Chancellor being to receive, or rather do them, this honor. I should have been made Doctor with the rest at the public Act, but their expectation of their Chancellor made them defer it. I was then led with my brother Doctors to an extraordinary entertainment at Doctor Mewes's, head of St John's College, Oxford University, and, after abundance of feasting and compliments, having visited the Vice-Chancellor and other Doctors, and given them thanks for the honor done me, I went toward home the 16th, and got as far as Windsor, Berkshire [Map], and so to my house the next day.

John Evelyn's Diary. 8th July 1675. I went with Mrs. Howard (age 49) and her two daughters toward Northampton Assizes, about a trial at law, in which I was concerned for them as a trustee. We lay this night at Henley-on-the-Thames [Map], at our attorney, Mr. Stephens's, who entertained us very handsomely. Next day, dining at Shotover, Oxfordshire, at Sir Timothy Tyrill's (age 58), a sweet place, we lay at Oxford, where it was the time of the Act. Mr. Robert Spencer (age 46), uncle to the Earl of Sunderland (age 33), and my old acquaintance in France, entertained us at his apartment in Christ Church with exceeding generosity.

On 10th October 1685 Robert Spencer 1st Viscount Teviot (age 56) was created 1st Viscount Teviot.

On 20th May 1694 Robert Spencer 1st Viscount Teviot (age 65) committed suicide. Viscount Teviot extinct.

John Evelyn's Diary. 30th May 1694. This week we had news of my Lord Tiviot (deceased) having cut his own throat, through what discontent not yet said. He had been, not many years past, my colleague in the commission of the Privy Seal, in old acquaintance, very soberly and religiously inclined. Lord, what are we without thy continual grace!