Henry Carey, 1st Earl of Dover facts for kids

Henry Carey, 1st Earl of Dover (born around 1580 – died April 13, 1666) was an important English nobleman and a member of Parliament. He lived in Hunsdon, Hertfordshire.

Early Life and Career

Henry Carey was the son of John Carey, 3rd Baron Hunsdon. He studied at Cambridge University and received an honorary Master of Arts degree in 1607. In 1610, he was knighted as a Knight of the Bath. This was a special honor given by the King.

Henry Carey became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Sussex in 1609. Later, in 1614, he was elected MP for Hertfordshire. An MP is someone chosen to represent an area in the country's government.

In 1617, Henry Carey became the 4th Baron Hunsdon. He received more important titles later. In 1621, he was made Viscount Rochford. This title had been held by his great-great-grandfather, Thomas Boleyn, 1st Earl of Wiltshire. In 1628, he was given the title of Earl of Dover.

As an Earl, he had important roles. In 1641, he acted as the Speaker of the House of Lords. This meant he led discussions in one part of the English Parliament. Between 1644 and 1646, he was also a Colonel. He led a group of students from Oxford University.

His Family

Lord Dover was married two times. His first marriage was to Judith Pelham. They were married before 1608. Judith was the daughter of Sir Thomas Pelham, 1st Baronet.

Henry and Judith had four sons and four daughters:

• John Carey, 2nd Earl of Dover
• Sir Pelham Carey
• Henry Carey (who died young)
• George Carey (who also died young)
• Anne Carey
• Mary Carey (1615–1672). She married Thomas Wharton (died 1684).
• Judith Carey (who died in 1666). She never married.
• Philadelphia Carey

On July 6, 1630, he married for the second time. His second wife was Mary Morris. She was the daughter of Richard Morris and the widow of William Cockayne. Their wedding took place at the church of St Peter Le Poer in London.

Later Life and Death

Henry Carey passed away in 1666. He was buried in Hunsdon in Hertfordshire. After his death, his son from his first marriage, John Carey, 2nd Earl of Dover, became the next Earl.