Henry Bathurst, 2nd Earl Bathurst facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl Bathurst
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Portrait by David Martin
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| Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain | |
| In office 23 January 1771 – 3 June 1778 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | Lord North |
| Preceded by | In Commission |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Thurlow |
| Lord President of the Council | |
| In office 24 November 1779 – 27 March 1782 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | Lord North |
| Preceded by | The Earl Gower |
| Succeeded by | The Earl Camden |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 May 1714 |
| Died | 6 August 1794 (aged 80) |
| Spouses |
Anne James
(m. 1754; died 1758)Tryphena Scawen
(m. 1759) |
| Children | Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl Bathurst Apsley Bathurst |
| Parents | Allen Bathurst, 1st Earl Bathurst Catherine Apsley |
| Alma mater | Balliol College, Oxford |
Henry Bathurst, 2nd Earl Bathurst (born May 20, 1714 – died August 6, 1794) was an important British lawyer and politician. He was known as The Lord Apsley for a few years before he became Earl Bathurst. His most important job was being the Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain from 1771 to 1778. This role made him the head of the legal system in Britain.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Henry Bathurst was the oldest son of Allen Bathurst, 1st Earl Bathurst and his wife, Catherine. He went to Balliol College, Oxford, which is a famous university. After his studies, he became a lawyer in 1736. He worked in courts and became a King's Counsel in 1745. This title meant he was a very experienced and respected lawyer.
Political Career and Important Roles
In 1735, Henry Bathurst was elected as a member of Parliament for Cirencester. He often disagreed with the government at the time. Because of his strong opinions, he was made solicitor-general in 1745. Later, in 1748, he became the attorney-general for Frederick, Prince of Wales. After Prince Frederick died, Henry Bathurst continued in the same role for Prince George.
Becoming a Judge and Lord Chancellor
In 1754, Henry Bathurst left Parliament and became a judge in the Court of Common Pleas. He was later chosen to be one of three special commissioners for the Great Seal of England. This was a big step towards becoming the Lord Chancellor.
In January 1771, he was appointed Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain. This was a very powerful position in the government and legal system. At this time, he was also given the title Baron Apsley. He faced some criticism from other politicians who disagreed with his views.
Key Decisions and Later Roles
In 1774, Henry Bathurst helped write the Intolerable Acts. These were laws that affected the American colonies, especially the Boston Port Act. This act led to the famous Boston Tea Party and contributed to the American Revolution. Even though he supported these laws, he later worried about losing the American colonies. He suggested trying to make peace to save Britain's control of the West Indies.
In 1775, he became the second Earl Bathurst after his father passed away. He left his role as Lord Chancellor in 1778. Later, in 1779, he was appointed Lord President of the Council. He held this position until 1782.
Apsley House and Public Works
In 1771, the building of Apsley House began for Henry Bathurst. It was a beautiful house in London, made of brick with large windows. It had a grand circular staircase inside. Later, the Duke of Wellington changed the house, covering it in stone. Henry Bathurst sold Apsley House and invested in more land at Cirencester Park. He used this land for planting trees and for hunting.
Henry Bathurst was also involved in important public works. In 1789, he helped develop the Sapperton tunnel for a new canal. This canal connected the Severn and Thames rivers, which was a big step for transportation at the time. He also helped secure a special job for his son that provided a good income.
Personality and Relationships
Henry Bathurst was known as a kind and quiet person. He took good care of his workers, paying them well and making sure they had access to doctors if they needed. He was a respected figure, and King George III trusted him as the Speaker of the House of Lords.
Family Life
Henry Bathurst married Anne James in 1754, but she passed away in 1758 without having any children. He then married Tryphena Scawen in 1759.
He died on August 6, 1794, when he was 80 years old. His son from his second marriage, Henry, became the third Earl Bathurst. Lady Bathurst, his second wife, died in 1807.
Apsley House, which was built for him, was later sold to the Marquess of Wellesley and then to his brother, the Duke of Wellington.
See also
- Bathurst (surname)
- Earl Bathurst
- List of Lord Chancellors
