Henry Cheyne, 1st Baron Cheyne facts for kids

Henry Cheyne, 1st Baron Cheyne (born May 31, 1540 – died September 3, 1587) was an important English politician. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. A "Baron" was a noble title, meaning he was a high-ranking person in society, often with land and influence. As a politician, he helped make decisions for the country.

Early Life and Education

Henry Cheyne was the son of Sir Thomas Cheyne and Anne Broughton. His father was from Shurland on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, England. His mother's family was from Toddington, Bedfordshire.

Henry studied law at a famous place called Gray's Inn. This was a school where people learned to become lawyers and understand the laws of the land.

Becoming a Landowner

When his father passed away in 1558, Henry inherited his large estates in Kent. An "estate" is a big area of land with a house. A few years later, in 1562, he also inherited his mother's lands in Bedfordshire. In 1563, he was given the special title of "Knight."

Political Career

Henry Cheyne was very active in politics. He was chosen to represent his home areas in the English Parliament. From 1562 to 1567, he served as a "Knight of the Shire" for Kent. This meant he was a Member of Parliament (MP) for that county.

Later, from 1572, he was an MP for Bedfordshire. In the same year, May 1572, he was given the title of "Baron Cheyne." This meant he became a member of the House of Lords, which is the upper part of the English Parliament.

He also held another important job. In 1565, he was appointed High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. A High Sheriff was a royal officer who helped keep law and order in the counties.

Baron Cheyne

Henry Cheyne held the title of Baron Cheyne from 1572 until he died in 1587. After his death, the title of Baron Cheyne ended because he did not have a son to inherit it. This is called a title becoming "extinct."

Family Life

Henry Cheyne was married to Jane. She was the daughter of Thomas Wentworth, 1st Baron Wentworth, another important noble of the time.

Later Life and Death

Henry Cheyne passed away on September 3, 1587. He was buried in Toddington, Bedfordshire, where his mother's family came from.

Images for kids

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  Portrait of a Lady of the Wentworth Family (Probably Jane Cheyne), 1563 by Hans Eworth.