Henry Edward Fox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Fox
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 4 March 1755 |
| Died | 18 July 1811 (aged 56) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War French Revolutionary Wars Irish Rebellion of 1803 |
| Spouse(s) | Marianne Clayton |
| Relations | Henry Stephen Fox (son) Henry Fox, 1st Baron Holland (father) Lady Caroline Lennox (mother) |
_Arms.png)
General Henry Edward Fox (born March 4, 1755 – died July 18, 1811) was an important officer in the British Army. He also served as a leader in different colonies. He was the governor of Minorca and later the governor of Gibraltar.
Contents
Family Background
Henry Edward Fox came from a well-known family. His father was Henry Fox, 1st Baron Holland. His mother was Lady Caroline Lennox. She was the daughter of Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond. The Duke was a grandson of King Charles II. Henry also had an older brother, Charles James Fox. Charles was a famous politician.
Early Military Life
Henry Fox went to Westminster School when he was young. In 1770, he joined the army as a cornet. This was a junior officer rank. He then took a year off to study at a military academy. After returning, he quickly moved up the ranks. He became a lieutenant in 1773. The next year, 1774, he became a captain.
Fighting in America
In 1773, Henry Fox joined the 38th Regiment of Foot. This regiment was based in Boston, America. He fought in the American War of Independence. During this war, he rose to the rank of colonel. He also became a special assistant to the King. After the war, he led the British forces in Nova Scotia from 1783 to 1789. He helped create the new colony of New Brunswick there. Later, he commanded the Chatham Barracks in England.
Later Military Career
Henry Fox continued to serve in important roles. From 1793 to 1795, he was a quartermaster-general. He worked with the Duke of York in Flanders. He fought in the French Revolutionary Wars in the Netherlands.
After this, he became the Inspector-General of recruiting. This meant he oversaw finding new soldiers. He also became a colonel of the 10th (North Lincolnshire) Regiment. From 1799 to 1801, he was the Lieutenant-Governor of Minorca. The British had recently captured Minorca from the French.
He then became the commander of all British forces in the Mediterranean. This was from 1801 to 1803. He took over after General Sir Ralph Abercromby was hurt in battle. Finally, he became the Commander-in-Chief, Ireland in 1803.
Events in Ireland
While in Ireland, an uprising happened in Dublin. It was led by Robert Emmet. General Fox was quickly replaced by Lieutenant-General Cathcart.
Final Commands
After Ireland, Fox commanded the London district in 1803. He then became the Lieutenant-Governor of Gibraltar from 1804 to 1806. He was also the Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean again. His health started to get weaker. He passed his active command to his deputy, Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore.
General Fox was promoted to full general in 1808. In 1810, he was appointed governor of Portsmouth. He passed away the next year, in 1811.
Marriage and Children
Henry Fox married Marianne Clayton on November 14, 1786. They had three children:
- Louisa Amelia Fox (died 1828): She married Major-General Sir Henry Bunbury.
- Caroline Amelia Fox (died 1860): She married Major-General William Napier.
- Henry Stephen Fox (1791–1846): He later became a British diplomat. He served as the UK's envoy to the United States.
