Henry Somerset, 2nd Duke of Beaufort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Beaufort
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Portrait by Michael Dahl
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| Born | 2 April 1684 |
| Died | 24 May 1714 (aged 30) |
| Noble family | Beaufort |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Sackville Rachel Noel Mary Osborne |
| Issue | Henry Somerset, 3rd Duke of Beaufort Charles Noel Somerset, 4th Duke of Beaufort |
| Father | Charles Somerset, Marquess of Worcester |
| Mother | Rebecca Child |
Henry Somerset, 2nd Duke of Beaufort, was an important English nobleman and politician. He was born on April 2, 1684, and passed away on May 24, 1714. He was the only son of Charles Somerset, Marquess of Worcester, and Rebecca Child.
Before he became the Duke, he was known by other titles. He was called the Earl of Glamorgan until 1698. Then, from 1698 until 1700, he was known as the Marquess of Worcester. He inherited the title of 2nd Duke of Beaufort when his grandfather died on January 21, 1700.
Life as a Duke
Henry Somerset was born at Monmouth Castle. In August 1702, he hosted Queen Anne and her husband, Prince George of Denmark, at his home, Badminton House. He welcomed them with great celebration.
For a while, he stayed out of politics. However, in 1710, a group of politicians called the Whig Junto lost their power. Henry Somerset was a strong supporter of the Tory Party, which was the opposing political group. He was very happy about this change.
In 1711, he became a member of a special club called the "Brothers' Club." The next year, in 1712, he was made captain of the gentlemen pensioners. This was a group of bodyguards for the monarch. In October 1712, he was also honored as a Knight of the Garter. This is a very important award given by the British monarch.
Henry Somerset died at the age of 30, on May 24, 1714. His son, Henry, took over his title. The 2nd Duke of Beaufort is buried at St Michael and All Angels Church, Badminton.
His Family
Henry Somerset, the 2nd Duke of Beaufort, was married three times during his life.
- His first marriage was on July 7, 1702, to Lady Mary Sackville. She was the daughter of Charles Sackville, 6th Earl of Dorset. Lady Mary passed away on June 18, 1705. They did not have any children together.
- His second marriage was on February 26, 1706, to Lady Rachel Noel. She was the daughter of Wriothesley Baptist Noel, 2nd Earl of Gainsborough. Lady Rachel died on September 13, 1709, shortly after giving birth.
- His third marriage took place on September 14, 1711, at St Mary's Church, Wimbledon. He married Lady Mary Osborne, who was the daughter of Peregrine Osborne, 2nd Duke of Leeds. Lady Mary passed away on February 4, 1722. They also did not have any children.
With his second wife, Lady Rachel Noel, he had two sons:
- Henry Somerset, 3rd Duke of Beaufort, who became his heir and took over his title.
- Charles Noel Somerset, 4th Duke of Beaufort, who later became his brother's heir and succeeded him as Duke.
Images for kids
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This is a Bookplate that belonged to Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort.
