Henry Herbert, 2nd Baron Herbert of Chirbury facts for kids

Henry Herbert, 2nd Baron Herbert of Chirbury (died 19 April 1738) was an important English politician. He came from Ribbesford, Worcestershire. He was a member of the House of Commons (a part of the British Parliament) from 1708 to 1709. After his father passed away, he became a Baron, which meant he joined the House of Lords.

Early Life and Education

Henry Herbert was born after the year 1678. He was the only son of Henry Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Chirbury and his mother, Anne Ramsey. His mother's father was John Ramsey, a dyer from London.

Young Henry went to Westminster School in 1695. Later, in 1699, he continued his studies at home with a private teacher named Abel Boyer.

Political Beginnings

Henry Herbert first tried to become a Member of Parliament for Bewdley in 1705. However, he did not win that election. His father, who was a strong supporter of the Whig political group, helped get a new special document (called a charter) for Bewdley. This helped his father gain more control over the town's elections.

Because of this, Henry Herbert was successfully elected as a Whig Member of Parliament for Bewdley in 1708.

Becoming a Baron

Henry Herbert's father died on 22 January 1709. When his father passed away, Henry inherited his title and became the 2nd Baron Herbert of Chirbury.

Because he was now a Baron, he had to leave his seat in the House of Commons. Instead, he took his place in the House of Lords, which is the upper house of Parliament.

Family and Later Life

Lord Herbert married Mary Wallop on 12 December 1709. Mary was the daughter of John Wallop from Farley Wallop, Hampshire. Her brother was John Wallop, who later became the 1st Earl of Portsmouth.

Being involved in elections could be expensive. Henry Herbert faced some money problems because of the costs of his election campaigns. At one point, a leader of the Tory political group, Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford, even helped him with money so he could stay in London and vote in Parliament.

When the Whigs gained more power after 1714, Henry Herbert changed his political support back to the Whigs. He hoped this would help him with his financial situation. Lord Herbert passed away on 19 April 1738. His wife, Mary, lived until 1770.