Henry Willoughby, 5th Baron Middleton facts for kids
Henry Willoughby, 5th Baron Middleton (born 19 December 1726 – died 14 June 1800), was an important English nobleman. He was the son of Thomas Willoughby.
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Who Was Henry Willoughby?
Henry Willoughby was a member of a very old and important family in England. People like him were called noblemen. They often had special titles and owned large areas of land. Henry was the 5th Baron Middleton, which means he held a noble title passed down through his family.
Early Life and Education
Henry Willoughby was born in York in 1726. When he was 19 years old, in 1745, he went to Jesus College, Cambridge. This is a famous university in England. After his father passed away in 1742, Henry inherited a large family home called Birdsall House.
A Role in Yorkshire
In 1757, Henry Willoughby took on an important job. He became the High Sheriff of Yorkshire. A High Sheriff was a very important official in a county. They were responsible for keeping law and order. They also helped with elections and made sure court orders were followed.
Becoming a Baron
In 1781, Henry Willoughby inherited the title of Baron Middleton. This happened when his cousin, Thomas Willoughby, 4th Baron Middleton, passed away. With the title, Henry also gained control of large family estates. These included Wollaton Park and Middleton Hall, Warwickshire. Wollaton Park, in Nottinghamshire, became the main family home.
His Family
Henry Willoughby married Dorothy Cartwright in 1756. They lived together at Wollaton Park. Henry and Dorothy had three children:
- Henry Willoughby, who later became the 6th Baron Middleton (1761–1835)
- Hon. Dorothy Willoughby (died 13 April 1824), who married Richard Langley in 1784
- Hon. Henrietta Willoughby (died March 1846), who married Richard Lumley-Saunderson
Henry Willoughby passed away on 14 June 1800. There is a memorial to him inside St. Leonard's Church, Wollaton.
