Henry Lennard, 12th Baron Dacre facts for kids

The Lennard family's coat of arms. It shows three golden lily-like flowers on a red stripe.

Henry Lennard, the 12th Baron Dacre, was an important English nobleman and politician. He was born in Chevening, Kent, on March 25, 1570, and passed away on August 8, 1616. Henry inherited his title from his mother, Margaret Fiennes, who was the 11th Baroness Dacre. His father was Sampson Lennard.

Early Life and Political Role

Henry Lennard became a Member of Parliament (MP) for West Looe. This was a special job where he represented the people of West Looe in the English Parliament. He served as an MP from 1597 to 1598.

In 1612, Henry successfully claimed the title of Baron Dacre. This meant he officially became the 12th person to hold this important noble title.

Family Life

In 1589, Henry Lennard married Chrysogona Baker. She was the daughter of Sir Richard Baker and Mary Gifford. Henry and Chrysogona had several children together.

Chrysogona Baker, Lady Dacre, shown as a child when she was six years old.

Henry and Chrysogona's Children

• Richard Lennard, who later became the 13th Baron Dacre (1596-1630).
• Fynes, who was baptised in Sevenoaks on December 27, 1597.
• Edward, who was baptised in Chevening on November 17, 1611.
• Margaret Lennard, baptised in Sevenoaks on October 27, 1594. She married Sir Annesley Wildgoose. They had three children, but sadly, none of them lived longer than Margaret.
• Philadelphia Lennard, who married Sir Thomas Parker. They had children.
• Pembroke Lennard, baptised on July 5, 1602. She was described as a "fine gentlewoman." She married William, Lord Cobham, and they had children.
• Barbara Lennart, who married Sir Philip Stapleton. They also had children.

The Wildgoose Family and Shakespeare

Margaret Lennard's husband, Sir Annesley Wildgoose, came from an interesting family. His aunt was Cordell Annesley. A famous legal case involving the Annesley family is thought to have inspired William Shakespeare's play King Lear. Some people believe that the line "the wild geese fly that way" in the play might even be a clever reference to the Wildgoose family name!

Later Life and Passing

Like his father, Lord Dacre enjoyed a lavish lifestyle. This meant he spent a lot of money. Because of this, he had to sell some of his family's land.

Henry Lennard passed away in August 1616 from an infectious fever, which was called an "ague" back then. His wife, Chrysogona, had died just a few weeks before him, possibly from the same illness.