Henry de Nassau d'Auverquerque, 1st Earl of Grantham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry de Nassau
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| Baron Alford Lord d'Auverquerque Viscount Boston 1st Earl of Grantham |
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Arms of Nassau-den Lek and Ouwerkerk ("Auverquerque")
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| Born | 1673 The Hague, Netherlands |
| Baptised | 30 May 1673 The Hague, Netherlands |
| Died | 5 December 1754 (aged 81) |
| Buried | 12 December 1754 St James's Church, Piccadilly, London |
| Noble family | Orange-Nassau |
| Spouse | Lady Henrietta Butler (1675–1724) |
| Issue | Henry, Viscount Boston Thomas, Viscount Boston Lady Frances de Nassau d'Auverquerque Emilia Mary Lady Henrietta de Nassau d'Auverquerque |
| Father | Hendrik van Nassau |
| Mother | Francoise van Aerssen |
| Occupation | Lord Chamberlain |
Henry de Nassau, 1st Earl of Grantham (born Hendrik van Nassau, 1673 – 5 December 1754) was an important person in British society and at the royal court. He was part of the House of Orange-Nassau, a famous European royal family. Henry was also a distant cousin of King William III of England. He inherited the title of Lord of Ouwerkerk (also known as Overkirk or Auverquerque) in Holland. He was also a count in the Holy Roman Empire, which was a large group of lands in Central Europe.
Life of Henry de Nassau
Henry was born in The Hague, a city in the Netherlands. His father was a Dutch general named Henry de Nassau d'Auverquerque, and his mother was Frances van Aerssen. He was baptized on May 30, 1673.
On January 12, 1697, Henry married his cousin, Lady Henrietta Butler. Her father was Thomas Butler, 6th Earl of Ossory, and her brother was James Butler, 2nd Duke of Ormonde. In 1698, King William III gave Henry the titles of Baron Alford, Viscount Boston, and Earl of Grantham. This happened while his father was still alive.
Even though his wife's brother was involved in the Jacobite rising (a time when some people tried to bring back the old royal family), King George I trusted Henry. In 1717, the King made Henry the Lord Chamberlain for Caroline, who was the Princess of Wales at the time. A Lord Chamberlain was a high-ranking official who managed the royal household.
When the Princess's husband became King George II in 1727, Caroline became Queen. Henry kept his job as her Lord Chamberlain until she passed away in 1737.
Henry also had a military career. He joined the 2nd Regiment of Foot Guards as an ensign (a junior officer) in 1727. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1731 and then to captain-lieutenant in the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards in 1735.
Later in his life, Henry became involved in a special project. He helped create the first orphanage in London for children who had been left without parents. This charity was called the Foundling Hospital. It received its official approval from the King in 1739. Lord Grantham was one of the first people to help lead this important charity.
Henry owned a house in Albemarle Street in London, which is now part of the Royal Institution. He also had a country house called Grove Park in Chiswick.
Lord Grantham passed away on December 5, 1754. He was buried a week later at St James's Church, Piccadilly in London.
Family Life
Henry de Nassau d'Auverquerque married his cousin, Lady Henrietta Butler, on January 12, 1697. Henrietta passed away on October 11, 1724. They had five children together:
- Henry (born October 27, 1697 – died June 19, 1718). He was known as Viscount Boston.
- Thomas (born 1700 – died April 27, 1730). He was also known as Viscount Boston. He did not marry.
- Lady Frances de Nassau d'Auverquerque (born in the 1700s – died April 5, 1772). She married Captain William Elliot in 1737, even though her father did not approve. Their only child died young.
- Emilia Mary (born around 1702 – died 1712). She passed away at the age of 10.
- Lady Henrietta de Nassau d'Auverquerque (baptized October 17, 1712 – died September 23, 1747). She married William Clavering-Cowper, 2nd Earl Cowper in 1732.
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