was unsuccessful, and Paget and Bagot were elected. Shirley was interested in literature and science, and was admitted a Fellow of the Royal Society on 11 January 1699. However, he did not long enjoy his membership, dying of smallpox on 25 February following. His wife Anne had died of the same illness in March 1698; both were buried at Staunton Harold. He left four children: Robert Shirley, Viscount Tamworth (1692–1714) Elizabeth Shirley, 15th Baroness Ferrers of Chartley (1694–1741) Ferrers Shirley (5 July 1696 – 10 October 1712) Thomas Shirley (3 July 1697 – 1708) References 1673 births 1699 deaths Deaths from smallpox Fellows of the Royal Society Heirs apparent who never acceded