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Henry Aubrey-Fletcher facts for kids

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Henry Fletcher Vanity Fair 27 October 1898
"Mid Sussex"
Fletcher as caricatured by Spy (Leslie Ward) in Vanity Fair, October 1898

Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, 4th Baronet (born Henry Fletcher on 24 September 1835 – died 19 May 1910), was an important politician in the United Kingdom. He was a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to help make laws for the country. He also had a long career in the military.

Henry Aubrey-Fletcher was the oldest son of Sir Henry Fletcher, 3rd Baronet. When his father passed away in 1851, Henry became the 4th Baronet. This title was passed down through his family. In 1903, he officially changed his name to Aubrey-Fletcher. He did this because he inherited property from the Aubrey family.

Early Life and Military Career

Henry Fletcher started his career as a soldier. He was a lieutenant in the Grenadier Guards. This is a famous part of the British Army.

Serving in the Volunteers

After leaving the regular army, he joined a part-time military group. This group was called the 2nd Sussex Rifle Volunteers. He became a lieutenant-colonel in 1874. He then took command of the whole group in 1882. He led them until 1897.

Leading the Brigade

Later, as a colonel, he commanded the Sussex & Kent Volunteer Infantry Brigade. He held this important role until 1904. He was also the leader of the National Rifle Association. During the Second Boer War, he strongly believed that people should learn to shoot rifles. He wanted rifle clubs to be set up across the country. His goal was for every able-bodied man to be a good shot.

Political Career

Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher was a member of the Conservative Party. He served in the House of Commons. This is one of the main parts of the UK Parliament.

Representing Horsham and Lewes

He was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Horsham. He represented this area from 1880 to 1885. After that, he became the MP for Lewes. He served the people of Lewes from 1885 until he passed away in 1910.

Important Recognitions

Sir Henry received several important honors for his service. In 1900, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath. This is a special award given for excellent service. In December 1901, he became a Privy Counsellor. This meant he could advise the King or Queen.

Community Involvement

Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher was also involved in his local community. He was a significant land owner in the area.

Supporting Local Church

In 1905, he donated £10 to the Holy Innocents Church in Southwater. This helped support the local church.

Honored by Worthing

The town of Worthing recognized his contributions. In October 1901, they gave him the honorary freedom of the borough. This was a special way to thank him for all he had done for the town.

Family and Legacy

Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher did not have any children. Because of this, his younger brother, Lancelot Aubrey-Fletcher, inherited the baronetcy after his death. Lancelot also changed his name to Aubrey-Fletcher.

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