Henry Bennet, 1st Earl of Arlington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Arlington
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Portrait by Peter Lely c. 1674
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| Keeper of the Privy Purse | |
| In office 1661–1662 |
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| Preceded by | Earl of Ancram |
| Succeeded by | Charles Berkeley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 January 1618 |
| Died | 28 July 1685 (aged 67) |
| Spouse | Isabella de Nassau |
| Parents | Sir John Bennet of Dawley, Dorothy Crofts |
| Education | Westminster School |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
Henry Bennet, 1st Earl of Arlington, was an important English statesman. He lived from 1618 to 1685. During the English Civil War, he supported the King. He even joined the royal family when they were in exile. After the war, he returned to England in 1660. He became a key advisor to King Charles II. He was part of a group of advisors called the Cabal ministry. Later, he faced a trial in Parliament in 1674. He was also a leader in the King's political group. This group later became known as the Tories.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Henry Bennet was born in 1618 in Little Saxham, Suffolk. His father was Sir John Bennet of Dawley. His mother was Dorothy Crofts. Henry went to Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford. He was a good student and even wrote poetry.
During the English Civil War, Henry fought for King Charles I. He was injured in a fight in Andover in 1644. He got a scar on his nose. He often covered this scar with a black patch. After the King's side lost the war, Henry traveled in France and Italy. In 1650, he joined the royal family who were living in exile. By 1654, he became the official secretary to James, Duke of York. King Charles II liked Henry's "pleasant and agreeable humour."
Becoming a Knight and Secretary of State
In 1657, Henry Bennet was made a knight. The same year, he went to Madrid, Spain. He worked there to get help for the King's cause. He stayed in Spain until the King returned to England in 1660.
When he came back to England in 1661, he became the King's "keeper of the privy purse." This meant he managed the King's personal money. He became a favorite of King Charles II. In 1662, he became the Secretary of State. This was a very powerful job. He was a Member of Parliament for Callington from 1661 to 1665.
Important Roles and Marriage
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In 1665, Henry Bennet was given a special title. He became Baron Arlington. He was also made one of the postmasters-general. He was in charge of foreign affairs for England. He played a big role in starting the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
During this war, in March 1665, he married Isabella van Nassau-Beverweert. She was from the Netherlands and was known for her beauty. Isabella's father was Louis of Nassau. Henry and Isabella had one daughter named Isabella FitzRoy, Duchess of Grafton.
Working with the Cabal Ministry
After Clarendon lost power, Henry Bennet became a member of the Cabal Ministry. This was a group of five key advisors to King Charles II. The name "Cabal" came from the first letters of their names: Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, and Lauderdale.
Arlington was involved in important decisions. He helped with the secret treaty of Dover in 1670. This treaty was a secret agreement between England and France. One part of it said that King Charles II would declare himself a Catholic. Arlington was one of only two ministers who knew about this secret part.
In 1672, he was made an earl. He became the Earl of Arlington. He also received the Order of the Garter, a very high honor. He went on a mission to the Netherlands and France. He tried to make peace in the Third Anglo-Dutch War. However, he was not successful.
Challenges and Later Years
Arlington's support for the King's policies was often for his own benefit. When another minister, Clifford, became treasurer, Arlington became jealous. He also worried about strong opposition in Parliament. He then changed his stance.
In 1673, he advised the King to let Parliament decide on a special declaration. He also supported the Test Act. This law made it harder for Catholics to hold public office. He even told some Protestants about the secret Treaty of Dover.
However, Arlington had lost the trust of many people. In 1674, the House of Commons tried to remove him from office. They accused him of being a Catholic and corrupt. His brother-in-law, Lord Ossory, helped him. The motion to remove him was rejected.
Even though he wasn't removed, he lost much of his power. He resigned as Secretary of State in 1674. He was then appointed Lord Chamberlain. This was a less powerful role. He tried to regain favor by supporting actions against France and Catholics. But he was not successful.
King Charles II said that Arlington was "not fit for the office" of treasurer. From this time on, Arlington had little influence at court. People even made fun of him. He was appointed to a treasury committee in 1679. He also became Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk in 1681.
Death and Family
Henry Bennet, 1st Earl of Arlington, died on July 28, 1685. He was buried at Euston, Suffolk. He had bought a large estate there and built a grand house. His home in London was Arlington House. This house was later replaced by Buckingham House, which became Buckingham Palace.
His title, Earl of Arlington, passed to his only daughter, Isabella. In 1672, when she was very young, she married Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Grafton. He was the natural son of King Charles II. They had one son, Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton. Isabella later remarried in 1698. She died in 1723.
Images for kids
- Members of the Cabal Ministry
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Thomas Clifford, 1st Baron Clifford of Chudleigh (1630-1673).
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Henry Bennet, 1st Earl of Arlington (1618-1685).
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George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham (1628-1687).
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John Maitland, 1st Duke of Lauderdale (1616-1682).
