Henry Seymour (Langley) facts for kids

Henry Seymour of Langley (born 1612 – died 1686) was an English courtier who supported the King during the English Civil War. After the King returned to power in the Restoration, Henry Seymour became a member of the English Parliament from 1660 to 1681. He was known for his loyalty and later for his kindness and charity.

A Life of Loyalty

Henry Seymour was the second son of Sir Edward Seymour. When he was young, he served Queen Henrietta Maria as a Page of Honour. This meant he was a young attendant to the Queen. In 1638, he became a Groom of the Bedchamber for Prince Charles, who would later become King Charles II. This was an important personal role, helping the Prince.

When the English Civil War began, Henry Seymour joined the Royalist army. The Royalists were supporters of the King. He fought under his relative, William, Marquess of Hertford. Henry Seymour was at the Battle of Sherburn. In this battle, the Royalists, with a much smaller force, bravely stood against a larger army. Henry Seymour also carried important messages for Prince Charles. For example, he delivered a message about the surrender of the fleet in 1648.

When the Royalists lost the war, Henry Seymour went into exile with Prince Charles. He was given the important task of carrying the last messages between Prince Charles and his father, King Charles I. He delivered these messages on January 27, 1649. This was just three days before the King was executed.

Supporting the King in Exile

Henry Seymour continued to serve Prince Charles during his exile. In 1649, he was sent from Jersey to Ireland. In 1650, he went with Charles to Scotland. He was often sent by the King to deliver messages to his friends in England. For example, in 1654, he collected money for Charles in England. He even received a special pass to return to France from Oliver Cromwell, who was then the Lord Protector of England. Henry Seymour was arrested in England in June 1654 and was not released until May 1657.

Return to Power

When the King returned to power in 1660, an event known as the Restoration, Henry Seymour continued his role as Groom of the Bedchamber to King Charles II. He held this position until 1685. He was also given other important jobs, like Comptroller of Customs. This meant he helped manage taxes on goods coming into the country. He also became Clerk of the Hanaper, an old government job related to legal documents.

In 1660, Henry Seymour was elected as a MP for East Looe. An MP is someone elected to represent an area in Parliament. He served in the Convention Parliament and then the Cavalier Parliament until 1681.

Later Life and Charity

In 1666, Henry Seymour leased a large estate called Langley, Buckinghamshire. He bought it in 1669, along with the manor of Langley. He retired to Langley and passed away on March 9, 1686, at the age of 74. He left his estate to his son, Sir Henry Seymour.

During his retirement, Henry Seymour was known for being honorable, friendly, generous, and charitable. He built an alms house in Langley for six poor elderly people. An alms house provides housing for those in need. In his will, he also left £400 to help poor boys become apprentices. Apprentices are young people who learn a skill or trade by working for someone experienced. He also left other charitable gifts to specific people.

Family

Henry Seymour was married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth, who passed away in 1671. They did not have any children. His second wife was Ursula. They had two children:

• a daughter.
• Henry (1674–1714). He became a baronet at the young age of seven. A baronet is a title of honor. Later in his life, he also served as a Member of Parliament for many years.