Henry Nevill, 9th Baron Bergavenny facts for kids

Henry Nevill, 9th Baron Bergavenny (born around 1570 – died around December 1641) was an important English nobleman. He was also an iron founder, a soldier, and a politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, at different times between 1601 and 1622. After 1622, he became a Baron, inheriting the title of Baron Bergavenny.

Early Life and Education

Henry Nevill was the son of Edward Nevill, 8th Baron Bergavenny and his mother, Rachel Lennard. He went to Queens' College, Cambridge in 1586. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA), in 1589. Later, he also studied at Oxford University and received a Master of Arts (MA) degree in 1594.

Religious Beliefs

After his studies, Henry Nevill traveled to other countries. In 1594, while in Venice, he met English people who followed the Catholic faith. At that time, England's official religion was the Church of England. People who did not follow the official church were sometimes called "recusants."

Even though Henry Nevill seemed to follow the Church of England, many believed he was secretly a Roman Catholic. His first wife, Lady Mary Sackville, was a strong Catholic. She taught their children to follow the Catholic faith. His second wife, Catherine Vaux, also came from a well-known Catholic family. Her mother, Elizabeth Vaux, even helped Catholic priests at their family home. Henry Nevill's family continued to be Catholic for many generations.

Military and Political Roles

In 1596, Henry Nevill joined a military campaign. He served at the Capture of Cadiz, a battle in Spain, under a leader named Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. For his service, he was made a knight.

Henry Nevill and his brother-in-law owned several factories that made iron. By 1596, they had a special agreement called a patent. This patent gave them the only right to produce certain military weapons, like cannons. This is known as a monopoly, meaning they had exclusive control over that product.

In 1601, Henry Nevill was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Kent. An MP is someone who represents a specific area in the country's government. He was involved in discussions about laws, including some that affected Catholics. In 1604, he became an MP for Lewes. Later, in 1621, he was elected MP for Wilton. He served as an MP until 1622, when his father passed away. At that point, Henry Nevill inherited the title of Baron Bergavenny.

Henry Nevill passed away in 1641.

Family Life

Henry Nevill was married twice and had several children.

His first wife was Lady Mary Sackville (who died in 1612). She was the daughter of Thomas Sackville, 1st Earl of Dorset. Together, they had these children:

• Sir Thomas Nevill (born before 1610 – died 1628). He had two sons who died young and a daughter named Margaret.
• Cecily Nevill (born around 1600 – died around 1654). She married Fitzwilliam Coningsby in 1617.
• Mary (Anne in religion) Nevill (1605–1689). She became a Benedictine nun and later an abbess, which is a leader of a convent.
• Elizabeth Nevill (born before 1641).

His second wife was Catherine Vaux. She was the daughter of George Vaux and Elizabeth Roper. With Catherine, Henry Nevill had these children:

• John Nevill, 10th Baron Bergavenny (born around 1614 – died 1662).
• George Nevill, 11th Baron Bergavenny (born around 1615 – died 1666).
• Frances Nevill (born before 1641).
• Catherine Nevill (died after 1654). She married twice.
• Elizabeth Nevill (born around 1626 – died 1662). She married Thomas Stoner in 1651.