Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Grafton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Grafton
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| Vice-Admiral of England | |
| In office 1682–1689 |
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| Preceded by | The Duke of Cumberland |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Torrington |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Henry FitzRoy
28 September 1663 |
| Died | 9 October 1690 (aged 27) |
| Spouse |
Isabella Bennet, 2nd Countess of Arlington
(m. 1672) |
| Children | Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton |
| Parents | Charles II of England Barbara Villiers, 1st Duchess of Cleveland |
Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Grafton, KG (born 28 September 1663 – died 9 October 1690) was a son of King Charles II of England and Barbara Villiers. He was a military leader. Henry FitzRoy became a colonel in the Grenadier Guards in 1681. He also served as Vice-Admiral of England from 1682 to 1689. He died in 1690 during the attack on Cork in Ireland.
Early Life and Important Titles
Henry FitzRoy was born in 1663. His mother was Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine. His father was Charles II of England, the King of England.
When Henry was nine years old, a marriage was arranged for him. He was to marry Isabella, who was five. She was the daughter of Henry Bennet, 1st Earl of Arlington. Their wedding ceremony took place later, in 1679.
Henry received several important titles from his father, King Charles II. He was made Baron Sudbury, Viscount Ipswich, and Earl of Euston. In 1675, he became the Duke of Grafton. In 1680, he was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter. This is a very special award.
Military Career and Key Roles
Henry FitzRoy was trained as a sailor. He saw military action at the siege of Luxembourg in 1684. In 1681, he was made a colonel of the Grenadier Guards. This was an important army regiment.
From 1685 to 1687, he was the Vice-Admiral of the Narrow Seas. This meant he was a high-ranking naval officer. At the coronation of King James II, Henry FitzRoy held the special role of Lord High Constable.
During the rebellion led by the Duke of Monmouth, Henry FitzRoy commanded the King's soldiers in Somerset. However, he later joined John Churchill. They supported William of Orange in 1688. This led to King James II being overthrown in what is known as the Glorious Revolution.
Death and Legacy
Henry FitzRoy died in Ireland in 1690. He was only 27 years old. He was wounded during the attack on Cork while leading William's forces. His body was sent back to England for burial.
His wife, Isabella, later married Sir Thomas Hanmer in 1697. He became the Speaker of the House of Commons. Isabella died in 1723.
The Duke of Grafton owned land near Dublin, Ireland. This land later became part of the city. A country path on this land grew into Grafton Street, which is now one of Dublin's main streets. There is also Grafton Alley in Cork, named after him. It is close to where he was shot.
See also
