Henry Lee (Canterbury MP) facts for kids

Henry Lee (born around 1657 – died September 6, 1734) was an English politician from Canterbury. He was a member of the Tory Party and served in the House of Commons, which is like a main part of the British Parliament, during three different periods between 1685 and 1715.

Early Life and Family

Henry Lee was the son of Dr. John Lee, who was an important church official called the Archdeacon of Rochester. His mother was Anne English. Henry's father later changed his last name to Warner, following the wishes in the will of his uncle, Dr. John Warner, who was the Bishop of Rochester.

Henry Lee started studying at Balliol College, Oxford, on July 4, 1673, when he was 16 years old. He married Dorothy Howe on October 16, 1679. Her father was Sir George Grobham Howe.

Political Career

Henry Lee bought a large estate called Dungeon in Kent. He became an alderman in Canterbury, which is a senior member of a city council.

Serving as an MP

In March 1685, Henry Lee was first chosen as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Canterbury. He was a member of the Tory party.

In 1687, he was elected Mayor of Canterbury. However, King James II removed him from this job. Even so, he was re-elected as an MP for Canterbury in 1689 and kept his seat until 1695.

Later Political Roles

In 1697, he became a Colonel in a local army group called the Kent Militia.

He served as an MP for Canterbury again from 1698. He lost his seat in the 1708 British general election. In 1704, he was appointed a Commissioner of Victualling. This meant he helped manage the supplies for the navy.

He was elected MP for Canterbury once more in the 1710 British general election. He was also appointed a Commissioner for Victualling again in 1711. He was elected one last time in the 1713 general election but was defeated in 1715.

Later Life

Henry Lee passed away on September 6, 1734. His son, Henry Lee Warner, who was also an MP, later tore down the main house at the Dungeon estate.