Henry Bromley, 1st Baron Montfort facts for kids

Henry Bromley, 1st Baron Montfort (born August 20, 1705 – died January 1, 1755) was an important person in British politics. He owned a large estate called Horseheath Hall in Cambridgeshire. Henry Bromley was a member of the Whig party, which was a major political group at the time.

He served in the House of Commons, which is like today's Parliament, from 1727 to 1741. In 1741, he was given a special title and became a peer, known as Baron Montfort.

Early Life and Family

Henry Bromley was the only son of John Bromley and Mercy Bromley. His mother, Mercy, was the daughter of William Bromley. Sadly, his mother died when he was born, and his father passed away in 1718.

One of his guardians, who helped look after him, was Samuel Shepheard. Henry Bromley went to Eton College, a famous school, and later studied at Clare College, Cambridge in 1724.

In 1728, he married Frances Wyndham. She was the sister and heir of Sir Francis Wyndham. Frances also died young, after giving birth to their only son. She was buried in St Margaret's, Westminster.

Political Career

In 1727, Henry Bromley was elected as a Member of Parliament for Cambridgeshire. He was a Whig, and he won the election alongside Samuel Shepheard.

From 1729 to 1742, he held the important position of Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire. This role meant he was the King's representative in the county. He also became a key person for the Whig party in managing elections in Cambridgeshire.

Henry Bromley was known as a good speaker in the House of Commons. In 1730, he gave a well-received speech about Dunkirk. He also helped create a bill in 1731 to support sugar colonies, which led to the Molasses Act of 1733.

He was re-elected without opposition in 1734. In 1740, he spoke again on important matters. He was considered a "useful speaker" for the government.

In May 1741, Henry Bromley was given the title of Lord Montfort, Baron of Horseheath. Even after joining the House of Lords, he continued to help manage elections in Cambridgeshire. He spent a lot of his own money to support the government's interests in the area.

Love for Cricket

Lord Montfort was very involved in the sport of cricket. He played for the London Cricket Club and also supported the game as a patron.

In 1743, he was the patron and captain of a team from London, Middlesex, and Surrey. They played a big match against a Kent team led by Lord John Sackville. The game took place at Bromley Common on May 16.

The teams were playing for £500, which was a lot of money back then! Lord Montfort's team scored 97 runs, and Kent scored 69. In their second turn to bat, Montfort's team had reached 112 runs with four players out. The game stopped because the patrons agreed to finish it the next day. However, the Kent team gave up, so Lord Montfort's team won!

Later Life and Legacy

Through his mother, Lord Montfort inherited land in Great Malvern in Malvern, Worcestershire. This land had been passed down from his ancestor, Sir Thomas Bromley. Around 1740, he sold this land to Lord Foley.

Lord Montfort spent a lot of money on his home, Horseheath. He also enjoyed gambling, and it is said he was very good at it. However, his spending and gambling led to financial difficulties.

By the end of 1754, he was very short on money. He asked for a job from the Duke of Newcastle, a powerful politician. When he couldn't get a job, he seemed very sad.

On January 1, 1755, Lord Montfort passed away. He left behind debts of £30,000, and his estate was in poor condition. His only son, Thomas, inherited his title. His daughter, Frances, married Charles Cadogan.