Henry Graham (of Levens) facts for kids
Henry Graham (born around 1676, died in early 1707) was an important English gentleman. He was also known as Grahme. Henry was the eldest son and heir to a large family estate in a place called Westmorland, in England. He also became a Member of Parliament, which meant he helped make laws for the country.
Contents
Early Life and Family Connections
Henry Graham was the oldest of three sons. His father was James Graham of Levens, who lived from 1649 to 1729. His mother was Dorothy Howard. Dorothy's grandfather was a very important person named Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Berkshire.
Henry's father, James Graham, had an important job. He was the Keeper of the Privy Purse for King James II. This job meant he managed the King's personal money. James Graham was also the younger brother of Richard Graham, 1st Viscount Preston.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
Henry Graham first tried to become a Member of Parliament in the summer of 1700. This was for the county of Westmorland. However, the election did not happen because the parliament was dissolved.
Henry was part of a political group called the Torys. During his campaign, some people claimed that he and his father were Roman Catholics. Despite these claims, Henry was elected to parliament in 1701. He represented Westmorland in the House of Commons. He held this position until he passed away at a young age.
Levens Hall and Inheritance
Henry Graham's family home was Levens Hall. This was a large country house with a big estate. It was located about four miles south of Kendal. Henry's father bought Levens Hall in 1689 for a lot of money, about £24,000.
Even though Henry was his father's oldest son and heir, he did not inherit Levens Hall. His father lived for more than twenty years after Henry passed away. Henry's father also outlived both of Henry's brothers. Because of this, the property eventually went to a female relative who became the heiress.
Marriage to Lady Mary Tudor
On May 23, 1705, Henry Graham married Lady Mary Tudor in Knightsbridge. Lady Mary was a daughter of King Charles II. This wedding happened less than a week after Lady Mary's first husband, Edward Radclyffe, passed away.
This marriage caused Henry a lot of problems. His family was not happy about it, and neither were other people. Before his marriage, Henry had a job in the household of Prince George of Denmark. Prince George was the husband of Queen Anne. However, Henry was dismissed from this job because of his marriage.
Henry Graham passed away in Westminster.
Images for kids
