British nobleman
Washington Shirley, 8th Earl Ferrers (13 November 1760 – 2 October 1842), styled The Honourable Washington Shirley from 1778 to 1827, was a British hereditary peer.
Early life and education.
Ferrers was the third son of Robert Shirley, 6th Earl Ferrers and his wife Catherine Cotton. He was educated at Westminster School. 
On 19 May 1780, he was appointed a cupbearer in the Royal Household, but this sinecure was abolished on 14 November 1782.
Later life.
Ferrers succeeded his elder brother, Robert, in the earldom in 1827. 
On 13 July 1832, he was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire. 
Marriages and children.
Shirley married Frances Ward (d. 4 March 1812), daughter of The Reverend William Ward and granddaughter of William Ward, on 24 July 1781 at Gretna Green. They had one son and two daughters:
After the death of his first wife, Ferrers married Sarah Davy (d. 30 June 1835) on 28 September 1829. They had no children.
Death.
Lord Ferrers died at Chartley on 2 October 1842 at the age of 81 and was buried at Staunton Harold. His only son having predeceased him, Ferrers was succeeded in the earldom by his grandson, Washington.
References.
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