“ HARRINGTON, EARLS OF. The first earl of Harrington was the diplomatist and politician, William Stanhope (c. 1690–1756) , a younger son of John Stanhope of Elvaston, Derbyshire, and a brother of Charles Stanhope (1673–1760) , an active politician during the reign of George I. His ancestor, Sir John Stanhope (d. 1638) , was a half-brother of Philip Stanhope, 1st earl of Chesterfield. Educated at Eton, William Stanhope entered the army and served in Spain, but soon he turned his attention to more peaceful pursuits, went on a mission to Madrid and represented his country at Turin. ”