Heneage Finch, 4th Earl of Aylesford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Aylesford
|
|
|---|---|
| Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard | |
| In office 1783–1804 |
|
| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Cholmondeley |
| Succeeded by | Lord Pelham |
| Lord Steward of the Household | |
| In office 1804–1812 |
|
| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Dartmouth |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Cholmondeley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 July 1751 Syon House, near London |
| Died | 21 October 1812 (aged 61) Great Packington, Warwickshire |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 13, including Heneage Finch, 5th Earl of Aylesford |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
Heneage Finch, 4th Earl of Aylesford (born July 4, 1751 – died October 21, 1812) was an important British politician and a talented landscape artist. He was known as Lord Guernsey between 1757 and 1777. He held several high-ranking positions in the British government during his lifetime.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Heneage Finch was born at Syon House, a large estate near London. His father was Heneage Finch, the 3rd Earl of Aylesford, and his mother was Lady Charlotte Finch. He attended Christ Church, Oxford, which is a famous university in England.
Political Career
Heneage Finch began his political journey in 1772 when he was elected to the House of Commons. This is one of the two main parts of the British Parliament, where elected representatives make laws. He served there until 1777.
In 1777, he inherited his father's title and became the 4th Earl of Aylesford. This meant he moved from the House of Commons to the House of Lords, the other part of Parliament, which is made up of nobles.
He served King George III as a Lord of the Bedchamber from 1777 to 1783. This was a personal attendant role in the King's household. In 1783, he joined the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the King.
He was appointed Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard by Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger. This was a role in charge of the King's ceremonial bodyguards. He held this position for many years, until 1804.
Later, in 1804, he became the Lord Steward of the Household. This was a very important role, overseeing the royal household and its finances. He continued in this position until his death in 1812.
Artistic Talents
Beyond his political work, Lord Aylesford was also a respected artist. He was known for his beautiful landscape paintings, especially using watercolour.
The Tate Britain museum in London has a collection of 50 of his artworks. These include watercolours, drawings, and prints. In 1795, a book called Album of Etchings by Lord Aylesford and Others was published, showing some of his printed works.
Lord Aylesford was also elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1773. This is a very old and respected group for scientists. He also served as a trustee for the British Museum from 1787 to 1812.
Family Life
In 1781, Lord Aylesford married Lady Louisa Thynne. She was the daughter of the 1st Marquess of Bath. They lived at Packington Hall in Warwickshire.
Together, they had thirteen children. Their eldest surviving son, Heneage Finch, later became the 5th Earl of Aylesford.
Lord Aylesford passed away in October 1812 at his home in Great Packington, Warwickshire, at the age of 61. His wife, the Countess of Aylesford, died in 1832.
Legacy
A town in Nova Scotia, Canada, called Aylesford, Nova Scotia, is named after him.
Images for kids
-
In the Park at Packington
-
Landscape
