Henry Finch (died 1761) facts for kids

Henry Finch (born around 1694, died 1761) was a British politician and scholar. He served as a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, from 1724 until his death in 1761.

Henry Finch was the fourth son of Daniel Finch, 2nd Earl of Nottingham and Anne Hatton. His father was an important noble. Henry went to Eton College, a famous school, in 1707. Later, in 1712, when he was 17, he started studying at Christ's College, Cambridge University. His father helped him get a special scholarship there in 1713. He earned his master's degree (MA) in 1714.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Henry Finch first tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1720 for Cambridge University. He ran as a member of the Whig party, but he did not win that election.

By 1724, Henry had been at Cambridge University for over ten years. His family, including his father and brother Lord Finch, started discussing his future career.

First Election to Parliament

In November 1724, Henry Finch was elected as an MP for Malton. He won this election because his brother-in-law, Thomas Watson Wentworth, helped him.

After becoming an MP, Henry faced a small problem with his scholarship at Cambridge. He lost it for a short time because he wasn't living at the college anymore. Also, as an MP, he had more property than was allowed for someone with his scholarship. But he got his scholarship back quickly and kept it until 1749.

Serving in Government

Henry Finch was re-elected without anyone running against him in the 1727 election. In 1729, he got a job as the receiver-general for the island of Minorca. This meant he was in charge of collecting money for the government there. He lived on Minorca for a while.

He was re-elected again without opposition in the 1734 and 1741 general elections. While in Parliament, he always voted with the government.

In 1743, he left his job in Minorca. He was then appointed as a surveyor of works. This job involved overseeing building projects for the government. He got this position thanks to a recommendation from a powerful person named Pelham.

Henry Finch was elected for Malton again in the 1747 general election. He was considered an "Old Whig," which meant he followed the traditional ideas of the Whig party. He was re-elected unopposed in the 1754 general election.

In December 1760, someone else needed his job as surveyor general of works. So, Henry Finch was given a special payment of £900 each year from a secret government fund. He was elected as an MP for Malton one last time in 1761.

Later Life and Family

Henry Finch passed away on April 26, 1761. He never married. Besides his brother Lord Finch, his other brothers, Edward, John, and William Finch, also served as Members of Parliament.