Henry Newport, 3rd Earl of Bradford facts for kids
Henry Newport, 3rd Earl of Bradford (born August 8, 1683 – died December 25, 1734) was an important English nobleman and politician. He was a member of the Whig Party, which was one of the main political groups in Britain at the time. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, from 1706 to 1722.
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Early Life and Education
Henry Newport was the oldest son of Richard Newport, 2nd Earl of Bradford and his wife, Mary Wilbraham. He went to Westminster School, a famous school in London. After that, he started studying at Christ Church, Oxford, a well-known university, on May 4, 1699, when he was 15 years old.
Political Career
Henry Newport began his political journey when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bishop's Castle. This happened in a special election on March 5, 1706. He won without anyone running against him.
Serving in Parliament
In the general election of 1708, he was again elected as an MP, this time for Shropshire. He won unopposed once more. However, he lost his seat in the 1710 election.
He was elected back to Parliament for Shropshire in the 1713 general election and again in the 1715 general election. But in 1722, he was defeated and did not win his seat.
Other Important Roles
Besides being an MP, Henry Newport held other important positions. He was the Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum for Staffordshire from 1715 to 1725. These roles meant he was the King's main representative in the county, responsible for law and order and the local militia.
During the Jacobite rising of 1715, a time when some people tried to bring back an old royal family, he took action. He became a colonel and put together a group of soldiers (a regiment of militia) in Shrewsbury to help keep the peace.
Becoming Earl of Bradford
On June 14, 1723, Henry Newport inherited his father's titles and became the 3rd Earl of Bradford. After this, he continued to serve his country. He was the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire and Custos Rotulorum for Montgomeryshire from 1724 until 1734.
Later Life and Family
Lord Bradford passed away in St James Place, London, on December 25, 1734. He was 51 years old. He never married.
He was buried on January 20, 1735, at Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London where many important people are buried. His younger brother, Thomas Newport, inherited his titles.
His Son, John Newport
Henry Newport had a son named John Harrison, who was born in 1720 to Ann Smyth. After his father passed away, John Harrison changed his name to John Newport, as his father had wished. He inherited a large part of his father's wealth.
John Newport did not have any children that were officially recorded. However, some people believe that a family named Newport, who moved to New Zealand in 1842, might be his descendants. This idea is based on old family stories and some matching records.
