Henry Ford (Tiverton MP) facts for kids
Sir Henry Ford (born January 1617 – died 1684) was an important person from Devon, England. He lived at Nutwell. Sir Henry was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Tiverton four times between 1664 and 1685. An MP is like a representative who helps make laws for the country. He also worked as a secretary for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland twice, from 1669–70 and again from 1672–73.
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Sir Henry Ford's Family History
Sir Henry Ford was the oldest son of Henry Ford, who lived in Bagtor in Ilsington, Devon. His mother was Katharine Drake. Her family came from Spratshays in Littleham, Devon.
Sir Henry's grandfather was Thomas Ford (1556–1610). Thomas lived in Bagtor and married Elizabeth Popham. Her family was well-known from Huntworth in Somerset. You can still see a monument to Elizabeth Popham in Ilsington Church today.
The Ford family had lived in Bagtor for a long time. Sir Henry's great-great-grandfather, John Ford (died 1538), bought the Bagtor estate. The old family home at Bagtor, built during the time of Queen Elizabeth I, is still part of a larger house today. Sir Henry Ford was also the nephew of a famous writer named John Ford, who wrote plays.
Early Life and Education
Henry Ford was born in January 1617. He was baptized on January 19, 1617, in Littleham. This was just a few months after his father passed away in September 1616. Five years later, in 1621, his mother remarried.
When he was 17, Henry went to Exeter College, Oxford University. He started there on November 21, 1634. After his studies, he returned home to manage his family's property and money.
Sir Henry Ford's Political Career
In April 1660, Henry Ford was chosen to be an MP for Lostwithiel. This was for a special meeting of Parliament called the Convention Parliament. However, his election was later cancelled in May.
He then bought a large house called Nutwell Court in Woodbury, near Exeter. This became his main home. He was given important jobs in Devon, like being a local judge and a leader in the county's army. He also became a fellow of the Royal Society in 1663, which is a group for important scientists and thinkers.
Becoming an MP for Tiverton
On April 6, 1664, Sir Henry was elected as an MP for Tiverton. This happened during a special election for the Cavalier Parliament.
In 1669, he traveled to Ireland with John, Lord Robartes, who was the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Sir Henry worked as his secretary. However, he was called back to England the very next year. This caused him some problems and disappointment.
Secretary in Ireland and Knighthood
In 1672, Henry Ford was knighted at Whitehall on July 20. This means he was given the title "Sir." He then served as secretary again for the new Lord Lieutenant, Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex. But he did not stay in this job for long. He was sent back to England for an important task. Some people thought this was a way to get him out of the way. He never returned to Ireland. It seems his direct and sometimes difficult personality made him unpopular.
Sir Henry was re-elected as MP for Tiverton in 1679 and again in 1681. He continued to serve in Parliament.
Later Life and Family
Sir Henry Ford passed away in 1684 at his home, Nutwell Court. He was 65 years old. He was buried in Woodbury Church.
He had one son named Charles, who is believed to have died when he was young. Sir Henry also had three daughters. They married into the Drake, Holwell, and Egerton families.
