Henry Bridgeman, 1st Baron Bradford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Baron Bradford
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Portrait of Bradford by George Romney
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| Successor | Orlando Bridgeman, 1st Earl of Bradford |
| Other titles | 5th Baronet Bridgeman of Great Lever |
| Born | 7 September 1725 |
| Died | 5 June 1800 (aged 74) Old Burlington Street, London |
| Buried | Weston Park |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Simpson |
| Issue | Orlando Bridgeman, 1st Earl of Bradford John Simpson Elizabeth Bridgeman Rev. Hon. George Bridgeman |
| Parents | Sir Orlando Bridgeman, 4th Baronet Lady Anne Newport |
Henry Bridgeman, 1st Baron Bradford (born September 7, 1725 – died June 5, 1800) was an important British politician. He was known as Sir Henry Bridgeman, 5th Baronet, for many years. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, for 46 years. This was from 1748 until 1794. After his long career, he was given the special title of Baron Bradford.
Early Life and Education
Henry Bridgeman was the second son of Sir Orlando Bridgeman, 4th Baronet. He was the oldest son who lived to adulthood. His mother, Anne, was the daughter of Richard Newport, 2nd Earl of Bradford.
Henry went to Queens' College, Cambridge, a famous university. He earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree in 1747. In 1762, his uncle, Thomas Newport, 4th Earl of Bradford, passed away. Henry then inherited Weston Park, a large estate. Two years later, he also inherited his father's title and became a baronet.
Later, Cambridge University gave him a Doctor of Laws degree in 1769. The University of Oxford also gave him a Doctor of Civil Laws degree in 1793. These were special honors for his achievements.
Political Career
In 1748, Henry Bridgeman began his long political career. He was elected to the British House of Commons. His first job was representing the area of Ludlow. He served Ludlow for twenty years, until 1768.
After that, he represented (Much) Wenlock for another twenty-six years. He worked as a Member of Parliament for a very long time. In 1794, Henry Bridgeman decided to retire from Parliament.
On August 13, 1794, he was given a new, high honor. He was made a Baron Bradford in the Peerage of Great Britain. This meant he became a member of the nobility.
Henry also held other important positions. He was a clerk for George, Prince of Wales. He kept this job until Prince George became King in 1760. A year later, he became a clerk comptroller for the Board of Green Cloth. This board managed the royal household's expenses. He worked there for three years. In 1774, he became the recorder for Much Wenlock. This was a legal role that he held for the rest of his life.
Family Life
Henry Bridgeman married Elizabeth Simpson on July 12, 1755. Elizabeth was the daughter of Reverend John Simpson. They had eight children together. They had five sons and three daughters.
Henry Bridgeman passed away in London in 1800. He was 74 years old. Sadly, his two oldest sons had died before him. So, his third son, Orlando, inherited his titles. Orlando later became an earl.
Henry's fourth son, John, took over his father's seat in Parliament. John also changed his last name to Simpson. Henry's wife, Elizabeth, lived until 1806. She passed away in Bath, Somerset. She was buried in Weston.
