Harry Powlett, 4th Duke of Bolton facts for kids

Harry Powlett, 4th Duke of Bolton (born July 24, 1691 – died October 9, 1759) was an important British nobleman and politician. He was known as Lord Harry Powlett until 1754. He belonged to the Whig Party, which was a major political group at the time.

Harry Powlett served in the House of Commons, which is like one part of today's Parliament, from 1715 to 1754. After that, he moved to the House of Lords, another part of Parliament, when he became a Duke.

Early Life and Naval Career

Harry Powlett was the second son of Charles Paulet, 2nd Duke of Bolton and Frances Ramsden. He began his career in the Royal Navy, which is the British navy.

In 1710, he worked as an assistant to the Earl of Galway in Portugal. This was during the final years of the War of the Spanish Succession, a big war in Europe.

Political Journey in Parliament

Harry Powlett became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1715. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the House of Commons. He first represented St Ives in Cornwall.

He held this seat until 1722. Then, he was elected as an MP for Hampshire. He kept this seat until 1754, when he became a Duke.

There was a short break in 1734. He was elected for both Hampshire and Yarmouth. A complaint was made about the Hampshire election. So, he represented Yarmouth until 1737. When the complaint was dropped, he chose to represent Hampshire again.

Roles in Government

From 1729 to 1751, Harry Powlett was a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to Frederick, Prince of Wales. This was an important role, helping the Prince.

In June 1733, he joined the Board of Admiralty. This board was in charge of the Royal Navy. He became the Senior Naval Lord in March 1738. This meant he was a very important leader in the navy's administration.

However, he had to leave this role in March 1742 when the government changed. Later, he served as Lieutenant of the Tower of London from 1742 to 1754. This was a significant position at the famous Tower of London.

In January 1755, he was made a Privy Counsellor. This is a group of trusted advisors to the King or Queen.

Becoming the Duke of Bolton

In 1754, Harry Powlett became the 4th Duke of Bolton. He took over the title after his older brother, Charles Powlett, 3rd Duke of Bolton, passed away.

Harry Powlett died on October 9, 1759. His eldest son, Charles, then became the next Duke of Bolton.

Family Life and Estates

Hackwood Park, Hampshire, one of the Duke's properties.

Harry Powlett married Catherine Parry, who passed away on April 25, 1744. They had four children together:

• Charles Powlett, 5th Duke of Bolton (died 1765)
• Harry Powlett, 6th Duke of Bolton (1720–1794)
• Lady Henrietta Powlett (died December 22, 1753). She married Robert Colebrooke in 1741. They did not have any children.
• Lady Catherine Powlett (died 1775). She married William Ashe first, and then Adam Drummond in 1734. She also did not have any children.

The Duke of Bolton owned several large properties. These included Hackwood Park in Hampshire, Bolton Hall, North Yorkshire, Edington in Wiltshire, and Hooke Court in Dorset.