Henry Grey, 1st Baron Grey of Groby facts for kids
Henry Grey, 1st Lord Grey of Groby (born 1547, died 1614) was an important English nobleman. He owned a lot of land, was a soldier, and worked for the Queen's court. He also helped manage his local county and was a member of parliament. Henry Grey was even part of the Queen's personal guard, called the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, and was in charge of the royal hunting dogs as Master of the Buckhounds.
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Henry Grey's Early Life and Education
Henry Grey was the only son of Lord John Grey. His mother was Mary Browne. It is thought that Henry studied at Christ Church, Oxford University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1565 and a Master of Arts degree in 1568. Later, in 1587, he was made a Knight Bachelor, which meant he was given the title "Sir."
Henry Grey's Career and Public Service
Henry Grey's main goal was to bring his family back to a strong position in Leicestershire. His father had lost their family's standing because of something called an attainder. This was a legal process that took away a person's rights and property, usually because of treason.
When Henry was 17, he inherited his father's estate at Pirgo in Essex. Five years later, he became one of Queen Elizabeth I's personal bodyguards, known as the Queen's Gentlemen Pensioners. From 1589 to 1603, he was the lieutenant, or head, of this group. He spent six months each year serving the Queen.
When he wasn't at court, Henry lived at Pirgo in Essex. He took on many local duties. He was a deputy lieutenant for the county from 1586 to 1590. In 1589, he was elected as a knight of the shire, which meant he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Essex. In 1596, he was made Master of the Buckhounds, putting him in charge of the royal hunting dogs.
Around 1569, he joined the commission of the peace for Essex. This meant he was a local judge. By 1600, he was known as the county's most senior justice. His hard work for the Queen and his county was noticed. In 1603, King James I, who was a cousin, made him a peer. This meant Henry became a nobleman with the title Baron Grey of Groby.
By 1603, Henry had managed to get back most of his family's estates. These lands were in Leicestershire, especially around Bradgate House in the area of Groby. As the new Lord Grey of Groby, he moved to Bradgate. He spent most of his time making his family's position in the county even stronger. This included restarting an old rivalry between the Grey family and the Hastings family, who were the Earls of Huntingdon. This rivalry had caused a lot of competition in Leicestershire for many years.
Henry Grey's Family Life
Henry Grey married Anne Windsor, who was the daughter of William, 2nd Lord Windsor. Anne lived from 1542 to 1613 or 1614.
Henry and Anne had four sons and two daughters:
- Sir John Grey: He married Elizabeth Nevill. Sadly, he died suddenly in 1611, before his father. His son, Henry Grey, later became Lord Grey of Groby after his grandfather. This grandson was also made the first Earl of Stamford.
- Henry Grey: He was killed while fighting in Holland.
- Ambrose Grey: He was the father of Mary, Lady Wrottesley. She was the wife of Sir Walter Wrottesley, 1st Baronet.
- George Grey: He did not have any children who survived.
- Mary Grey: She first married William Sulyard. Later, she married Thomas Steward.
- Elizabeth Grey: She was the wife of Sir Anthony Felton. They had a son, Sir Henry Felton, 1st Baronet.
Henry Grey died at Bradgate House on July 26, 1614. His wife, Anne, had passed away shortly before him. He was buried in the family chapel at Bradgate House. His grandson, Henry, took over his title as Baron Grey of Groby.
Images for kids
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Arms of the Grey family
