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Bennet Sherard, 1st Earl of Harborough facts for kids

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The Earl of Harborough
Member of Parliament for Rutland
In office
1713–1714
Serving with Lord Finch
Preceded by Lord Finch
Richard Halford
Succeeded by Lord Finch
John Noel
Member of Parliament for Leicestershire
In office
1701–1702
Serving with Lord Roos
Preceded by John Verney
John Wilkins
Succeeded by John Verney
John Wilkins
Personal details
Born
Bennet Sherard

1675
Died 16 October 1732(1732-10-16) (aged 56–57)
Political party Whig
Spouses
Mary Calverley
(m. 1696; her death 1702)
Parent Bennet Sherard, 2nd Baron Sherard

Bennet Sherard, the 1st Earl of Harborough (born October 9, 1677 – died October 16, 1732), was an important person in British history. He was a peer (a noble person) and a Member of Parliament (MP). This means he helped make laws for the country.

He was given special titles during his life. In 1718, he became Viscount Sherard. Then, in 1719, he was made the Earl of Harborough. These titles showed his high rank in society.

Who Was Bennet Sherard?

Bennet Sherard was born on October 9, 1677. He was the only son of Bennet Sherard, the 2nd Baron Sherard. His mother was Elizabeth Christopher.

His father was also a Member of Parliament for Leicestershire. He also held the important job of Lord Lieutenant of Rutland. This role meant he was the King's representative in the area.

Bennet had a sister named Lucy Sherard. She married John Manners, 2nd Duke of Rutland. This connected their family to another powerful noble family.

His family had a long history of serving the country. His grandfather, William Sherard, was a member of the King's special guard.

His Political Journey

Bennet Sherard followed in his father's footsteps. In 1700, when his father passed away, Bennet became the 3rd Baron Sherard. This meant he inherited his father's noble title.

Soon after, he also took over his father's role as Lord Lieutenant of Rutland. He was also made a deputy lieutenant for Lincolnshire in the same year. He held these important jobs until 1712.

From 1701 to 1702, Bennet was a Member of Parliament for Leicestershire. This was his first time serving in Parliament.

Later, in 1713, he was elected as an MP for Rutland. He served in this role until October 19, 1714.

Joining the House of Lords

On October 19, 1714, Bennet Sherard was given a new title. He became Baron Sherard, of Harborough. This new title meant he could join the House of Lords. The House of Lords is one of the two parts of the British Parliament.

In 1715, he was again appointed as the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland. He kept this position until he passed away.

He received even higher titles later on. On October 31, 1718, he was made Viscount Sherard. Then, on May 8, 1719, he became the Earl of Harborough. These were very high noble ranks.

Family Life

1st Earl Harborough - geograph.org.uk - 1302041
This memorial in Stapleford church honors the Earl, his wife, and their child. It was carved by John Michael Rysbrack.

Bennet Sherard married Mary Calverley on April 30, 1696. Mary was the daughter of Sir Henry Calverley. Sadly, Mary passed away in 1702.

Bennet Sherard died on October 16, 1732. After his death, his cousin, Philip, became the 2nd Earl of Harborough. Philip also took over the titles of Baron Sherard and Lord-Lieutenant.

The title of Viscount Sherard ended when Bennet passed away.

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