Henry Greenhill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Greenhill
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Portrait of Henry Greenhill by his brother, John Greenhill (Wellcome Collection)
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| Born | 21 June 1646 Salisbury, Wiltshire
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| Died | 24 May 1708 (aged 61) |
Henry Greenhill (born June 21, 1646 – died May 24, 1708) was an important British sailor and government official. He achieved many things in his life. He was a governor, a leader in the navy, and even a member of Parliament.
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Henry Greenhill's Early Life
Henry Greenhill was born in Salisbury, England, on June 21, 1646. His father, John Greenhill, worked for the church as a registrar in the diocese of Salisbury. This meant he kept official records for the church. Henry's mother was Penelope Champneys.
His family had connections to trade with places like the East India Company. Henry's older brother, John Greenhill, became a well-known painter. Henry himself went to school at Salisbury Cathedral School, where he learned grammar and music.
His Career and Achievements
After finishing school, Henry Greenhill decided to become a sailor. He worked in the merchant service, which means he sailed on ships that carried goods for trade. He became very good at his job, especially in the West Indies. The Admiralty, which was the government department in charge of the British navy, noticed his skills.
Governor of the Gold Coast
Because of his excellent work, Henry Greenhill was chosen for a big role. He became the Governor of the Gold Coast. This area, now known as Ghana, was an important trading region for the Royal African Company. As governor, he was in charge of the British settlements there.
Greenhill continued to rise in importance.
- In 1685, he became an elder brother of Trinity House. This was an important organization that looked after lighthouses and helped train sailors.
- In 1689, he was made a commissioner of the Transport Office. This office was responsible for moving troops and supplies by sea.
- In 1691, he became one of the main commissioners of the navy. He worked first in Plymouth and then in Portsmouth.
- He helped finish the building of the Plymouth Dockyard, a major place where navy ships were built and repaired.
Henry Greenhill was also involved in politics. He served as a Member of Parliament for Newport, Isle of Wight. He was an MP from 1699 to January 1701, and again from March to November 1701. He was a respected figure, even receiving a special ring mentioned in the will of Samuel Pepys, a famous naval administrator.
See also
