Henry Hyde, Viscount Cornbury facts for kids

Henry Hyde, Viscount Cornbury (born November 28, 1710 – died May 28, 1753), was an important British writer and politician. He was known by different titles during his life, first as Viscount Hyde, then Viscount Cornbury. He also held the title of 5th Baron Hyde. He served in the British House of Commons (a part of the British Parliament) from 1732 to 1750. After that, he became a member of the House of Lords. Early in his career, he was involved in secret plans to bring back the old royal family, known as Jacobite intrigues.

Early Life and Education

Henry Hyde was the only son of Henry Hyde, 4th Earl of Clarendon. His mother was Jane Leveson-Gower. He went to Christ Church, Oxford University in 1725. He earned a special degree called a Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) in 1728. Henry was a talented writer. Famous authors like Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope admired him very much.

Political Career and Challenges

Cornbury became involved in Jacobite plans. These were secret efforts to restore the Stuart family to the throne. In January 1731, he traveled to Rome. There, he secretly met with the "Pretender," who was the son of the exiled King James II.

He was elected as a Tory Member of Parliament for Oxford University in 1732. In 1733, a new tax plan called the Excise Bill caused a lot of trouble. Cornbury thought this was a good chance for the "Old Pretender" to invade Britain with French help. He tried to convince French officials to support an invasion of southern England. He believed this would lead to a Jacobite uprising and remove the House of Hanover (the current royal family). However, the French King's chief minister, Cardinal Fleury, stopped the plan.

After this, Cornbury stayed away from Jacobite politics. He focused more on his interests and studies.

Serving in Parliament

Cornbury was re-elected without opposition in the 1734 British general election. He worked hard to support his university. He spoke against a bill in 1736 that would limit how much land charitable groups could own. In 1737 and 1738, he spoke out against the army.

He was re-elected again in the 1741 British general election. In 1742, he was offered a special title (a peerage), but he turned it down. He sometimes voted against the government, especially on issues about German troops (called Hanoverians). He supported the King when there was a threat of a French invasion in 1744.

During the 1745 Jacobite rebellion, he voted against the government's plan to bring British troops back from another country. He also opposed sending foreign troops to Scotland.

Moving to the House of Lords

After being re-elected in 1747, Cornbury became tired of the House of Commons. He traveled abroad for a year to improve his health. He also sold some of his property to pay off his debts. In 1750, he asked the King for a peerage. He was then moved to the House of Lords with his father's title, Baron Hyde. This meant he left his seat in the House of Commons.

Later Life and Passing

Henry Hyde, Viscount Cornbury, passed away in Paris on April 26, 1753. He died before his father. There are different stories about how he died; some say it was from a fall from a horse. He never married.