Henry Westenra, 4th Baron Rossmore facts for kids
Henry Cairns Westenra, also known as the 4th Baron Rossmore, was an important person from Ireland who lived in the 1800s. He was a soldier and a "peer," which means he had a special title and was part of the British Parliament for a short time. Sadly, he passed away at just 22 years old after a riding accident.
Early Life and Family
Henry Cairns Westenra was born in 1851. His father was the 3rd Baron Rossmore, Henry Westenra. His mother was Josephine Julia Helen Lloyd.
Henry had a big family with two sisters and three brothers:
- Frances Kathleen
- Norah Josephine Harcourt
- Derrick Westenra, who later became the 5th Baron Rossmore
- Richard Hamilton
- Peter Craven
Becoming a Baron
When Henry was only nine years old, his father passed away on December 1, 1860. This meant that young Henry inherited his father's titles. He became the 4th Baron Rossmore of Monaghan in Ireland. He also became the 3rd Baron Rossmore of the United Kingdom.
This second title was very important because it gave him a special seat in the House of Lords. The House of Lords is part of the British Parliament, where important decisions are made. Henry could join the House of Lords as soon as he turned 21.
Henry also inherited large family estates, which are big areas of land, in County Monaghan, Ireland. He also received another estate in the Aran Islands.
Military Service and Passing
Lord Rossmore chose to join the military. He became a soldier in the 1st Regiment of Life Guards. This was a cavalry regiment, meaning they rode horses.
Sadly, Henry's life was cut short. On March 28, 1874, he died in a riding accident. He was only 22 years old. He was buried in his family's special burial place at Rossmore Park.
Because Henry passed away so young and unexpectedly, his younger brother, Derrick, became the next Baron Rossmore. The family home, Rossmore Castle, was later left empty in the 1940s and was eventually taken down in 1975.
