Henry Hyde, 4th Earl of Clarendon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Clarendon
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| Member of Parliament for Launceston |
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| In office 1692–1711 |
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| Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall | |
| In office 1711–1714 |
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| High Steward of Oxford University | |
| In office 1711–1753 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | June 1672 |
| Died | 10 December 1753 |
| Political party | Tory |
| Spouse | Jane Leveson-Gower |
| Children | 8, including Jane, Catherine, and Henry |
| Parent |
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| Education | Eton College |
Henry Hyde, 4th Earl of Clarendon and 2nd Earl of Rochester (born June 1672 – died 10 December 1753) was an important English politician and army officer. He was known as Lord Hyde from 1682 until 1711. He served in the British Parliament from 1692 until 1711, when he became an Earl. Being an Earl meant he then served in the House of Lords, which is the upper house of the UK Parliament.
Early Life and Education
Henry Hyde was the son of the first Earl of Rochester, Laurence Hyde, and Lady Henrietta Boyle. He went to Eton College, a famous school, from 1683 to 1687. After Eton, he traveled around Europe, visiting countries like Italy, Germany, and the Dutch Republic (which is now the Netherlands).
In 1690, Henry Hyde became the Governor of the Merchant Adventurers, a group of traders. He also joined the army, serving as a guidon and major in the 2nd Troop of Horse Guards. He fought as a volunteer in Flanders (part of modern-day Belgium) in 1691 and 1692.
On March 8, 1692, Henry Hyde married Jane Leveson-Gower. His wife, Jane, later worked at the court of Queen Anne as a Lady of the Bedchamber. This was an important role, helping the Queen with her daily life.
Political Career
Henry Hyde became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Launceston in 1692. An MP is a person elected to represent a group of people in Parliament. After becoming an MP, he left the army. He was re-elected several times for Launceston.
In Parliament, he took part in many important votes. For example, he voted on financial matters and other key decisions for the country. He was known as a supporter of the Tory party. In 1700, he received an honorary degree from Oxford University.
In 1710, Henry Hyde became a joint vice-treasurer and paymaster-general for Ireland. He also joined the Privy Council of Great Britain, a group of advisors to the King or Queen.
In May 1711, Henry Hyde's father passed away, and Henry became the 2nd Earl of Rochester. This meant he moved from the House of Commons to the House of Lords. He continued to support the Tory government from his new position.
As an Earl, he received several more important jobs in 1711:
- He was the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall until 1714. This role involved representing the King in Cornwall.
- He was a Commissioner for building fifty new churches until 1715.
- He was the Keeper of Richmond New Park until 1727.
- He became the High Steward of Oxford University in 1711 and held this position for the rest of his life.
In 1719, he was one of the main people who helped start the Royal Academy of Music (1719). This organization put on baroque opera shows. In 1723, he also became the 4th Earl of Clarendon after his cousin passed away.
Family and Later Life
Henry Hyde and his wife Jane had eight children:
- Henrietta Hyde (died young)
- Edward Hyde (died young)
- Laurence Hyde (died young)
- Ann Hyde (died young)
- Lady Jane Hyde (died 1723/1724), who married William Capell, the 3rd Earl of Essex.
- Lady Catherine Hyde (around 1701 – 1777), who married Charles Douglas, the 3rd Duke of Queensberry.
- Lady Charlotte Hyde (around 1707 – 1740)
- Henry Hyde, Viscount Cornbury (1710–1753)
Lord Rochester passed away on December 10, 1753. He was buried in Wootton Bassett. Sadly, his last living son, Henry Hyde, Lord Cornbury, died just nine months before him. Because of this, both of Henry Hyde's titles, Earl of Clarendon and Earl of Rochester, ended when he died, as there was no direct male heir to inherit them.
