Henry Henley facts for kids
Henry Henley (1612–1696) was an English politician who lived a long time ago. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government that makes laws. He was a strong supporter of the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War.
Growing Up and Family
Henry Henley was born in 1612. His parents were Henry Henley and Susan Bragge. When his father passed away in 1639, Henry inherited family lands. These lands were in places like Leigh in Somerset and Colway in Dorset.
Henry married Susan Moggridge in 1636, and they had two sons. Later, he married Bridget Bampfield, and they had two daughters. Interestingly, both of his sons, Henry Jr. and Robert, also became Members of Parliament for Lyme Regis, just like their father.
Supporting Parliament
During the English Civil War, Henry Henley became a colonel in the army that supported Parliament. This was around 1643. He also took on important roles to help Parliament. For example, he helped manage money and resources for Somerset and Dorset.
He served as a J.P. for Somerset from 1646 to 1654. A Justice of the Peace was a local official who helped keep law and order. He also became the High Sheriff of Dorset in 1648, which was another important local leadership role.
A Career in Politics
Henry Henley was elected as a Member of Parliament many times. In 1653, he represented Somerset in a special Parliament called the Barebones Parliament.
He was also elected to represent Dorset in the First Protectorate Parliament in 1654. Later, in 1659, he became an MP for Lyme Regis in the Third Protectorate Parliament.
After the English Civil War, Henry Henley continued his political career. In 1660, he was elected MP for Bridport in the Convention Parliament. The next year, in 1661, he was elected again for Lyme Regis. He served as an MP for Lyme Regis until 1679.
He continued to serve in various roles, helping to manage taxes and local affairs. He was elected MP for Lyme Regis two more times, in 1679 and again in 1681.
Later Life
Henry Henley passed away at the age of 83. He was buried in Winsham on June 10, 1696. He had a long life and a significant career serving in the English government during a very important time in history.
