Henry Cornewall (MP for Weobley) facts for kids
Colonel Henry Cornewall (born around 1654 – died 22 February 1717) was an English soldier, a member of the royal court, and a Member of Parliament. He played a role in the political and military life of England during his time.
His Early Years
Henry Cornewall was born the oldest son of Edward Cornewall. His mother was Frances (née Pye) Vaughan. She was the daughter of Sir Walter Pye. Frances had been married before to Henry Vaughan. From his mother's first marriage, Henry had an older half-brother named Roger Vaughan. Roger was also a courtier and a Member of Parliament. Henry took over his father's estates in 1709.
A Soldier and Politician
In 1685, Henry Cornewall formed a group of soldiers called a regiment. This group later became known as the 9th (East Norfolk) Regiment of Foot. He stopped leading this regiment after the Glorious Revolution. This was a time when William III of England became king. Henry did not agree with William III taking the throne. Another officer, Colonel John Cunningham, took over the regiment. This regiment then went to Ireland to help during the Siege of Derry.
Henry Cornewall also served as a MP. An MP is someone chosen to represent people in the government. He represented different areas in Parliament:
- Weobley from 1685 to 1689
- Hereford from 1689 to 1695
- Herefordshire from 1698 to 1701
- Weobley again in 1701, then from 1702 to 1708, and finally from 1710 to 1713.
His Family Life
Henry Cornewall married two times. His first wife was Margarita Laurentia Huyssen. She was from Middelburg in Zeeland. They married on 11 October 1683. Margarita was very wealthy. They had two children together:
- Henry Cornewall (1685–1756), who became a General.
- William Henry Cornewall (died in 1688 when he was four months old).
Margarita passed away on 26 April 1692. She was buried at the Dutch Church, Austin Friars. Henry's second wife was Susanna. She was the daughter of Sir John Williams. They married on 27 April 1695. They had three children:
- Velters Cornewall (1697–1768), who also became an MP for Herefordshire.
- James Cornewall (1698–1744), a Captain in the Royal Navy. He died during the Battle of Toulon.
- Mary Cornewall (died in 1741), who married Hon. Henry Berkeley.
Henry Cornewall died on 22 February 1717. He was buried six days later in Westminster Abbey. He left his land in Radnor to his oldest son. He left his properties in Herefordshire, like Moccas Hall, to his son Velters.
