Henry Holmes (Yarmouth MP, died 1738) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Major Henry Holmes
Lieutenant-Governor of the Isle of Wight
In office 1710–1714
Monarch	Anne
Preceded by	Anthony Morgan
Succeeded by	Anthony Morgan
Governor of Hurst Castle
In office 1702–1714
Monarch	Anne
Preceded by	John Burrard
Succeeded by	Sir Tristram Dillington
In office 1683–1695
Monarch	Charles II James II & VII William III & II and Mary II
Preceded by	Sir John Holmes
Succeeded by	John Burrard
Member of Parliament for Yarmouth (Isle of Wight)
In office 1695–1717 Serving with Charles Duncombe Anthony Morgan Sir Gilbert Dolben, 1st Baronet Robert Raymond
Monarch	William III & II Anne George I
Preceded by	Sir John Trevor Charles Duncombe
Succeeded by	Anthony Morgan Sir Theodore Janssen
Personal details
Born	1660 (1660)
Died	23 June 1738(1738-06-23) (aged 77–78)
Nationality	British
Political party	Tory
Spouse	Mary Holmes (cousin)
Children	Thomas Holmes (son) Henry Holmes (son) Charles Holmes (son)
Parent	Thomas Holmes
Relatives	Sir Robert Holmes (uncle) Sir John Holmes (uncle)
Military career
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Years of service	1687–1695
Rank	Lieutenant (1687), Captain (1689), Major (1692)
Unit	Grenadier Guards, 8th Foot

Henry Holmes (born around 1660 – died 23 June 1738) was an important figure from the Isle of Wight, England. He was an army officer, a landowner, and a politician. He served as the Lieutenant-Governor of the Isle of Wight from 1710 to 1714. He was also a Member of Parliament (MP) in the English and British House of Commons from 1695 to 1717.

Early Life and Beginnings

Hurst Castle is a historic fortress.

Henry Holmes was the son of Thomas Holmes. His family lived in Kilmallock, a town in County Limerick, Ireland. Henry decided to join the Army when he was young. In 1683, he became the Captain of Hurst Castle. This castle is located on the Isle of Wight.

Military Career

Henry Holmes was a dedicated soldier. In March 1687, he became a Lieutenant in a special group called the Grenadiers. Later that year, in November 1687, he moved to the 8th Foot regiment as a Lieutenant. He continued to rise through the ranks. By 1689, he was a Captain. In 1692, he achieved the rank of Major.

A big change happened in his life in 1692. His uncle, Sir Robert Holmes, passed away. Sir Robert left his estates to Henry. There was one condition: Henry had to marry Sir Robert's daughter, Mary. Henry married Mary Holmes within 18 months. After his marriage, he decided to leave the army.

Political Career

Henry Holmes became involved in politics. In 1695, he lost his job as Governor of Hurst Castle. This happened because he disagreed with Lord Cutts, who was the Governor of the Isle of Wight.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Despite losing his governorship, Henry Holmes was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented Yarmouth (Isle of Wight) in a special election on 2 April 1695. He won again in the general election later that year. As an MP, he continued his disagreements with Lord Cutts. He even accused Lord Cutts of firing local militia officers. These officers had voted against Lord Cutts' relative.

Henry Holmes made some notable votes in Parliament. He chose not to sign a document called the Association of 1696. In March 1696, he voted against setting a fixed price for gold coins called guineas. His dispute with Lord Cutts was so strong that Parliament had to step in. In 1697, they stopped a possible duel between the two men.

Later Elections and Roles

By the 1698 general election, Henry Holmes and Lord Cutts had settled their differences. Henry Holmes was re-elected as MP for Yarmouth without anyone running against him. He continued to be elected without opposition in the two general elections of 1701. He was known as a member of the Tory political party.

In 1702, Henry Holmes got his job back as Governor of Hurst Castle. He was also re-elected as MP for Yarmouth without opposition. He wasn't very active in Parliament at this time. However, he did vote for a proposal called the Tack in November 1704. He was re-elected again without opposition in 1705. He voted against the government's choice for Speaker of the House.

He was re-elected as a Tory in the 1708 general election. In 1710, he voted against the impeachment of Dr. Sacheverell. An impeachment is a formal accusation against a public official. He was re-elected for Yarmouth again in 1710. With a change in government, he was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Isle of Wight in 1710. He was seen as a "worthy patriot" for helping to uncover problems in the previous government.

He was re-elected as a Tory in the 1713 general election. However, he lost his post as Lieutenant-Governor when King George I came to the throne. He was re-elected in a contested election in 1715. He voted against a bill to extend the length of Parliament terms in 1716. Sadly, he lost his seat in Parliament on 12 April 1717 after a formal complaint was made.

Death and Family Legacy

Henry Holmes passed away on 23 June 1738. He and his wife had a large family, with eight sons and eight daughters. Many of his sons followed in his footsteps. His sons Thomas, Henry, and Charles all became Members of Parliament for areas on the Isle of Wight.

Family Tree