Lord Henry Beauclerk facts for kids

Lord Henry Beauclerk (born August 11, 1701 – died January 6, 1761) was an important figure in 18th-century Britain. He served as an officer in the British Army and was also a Whig politician. The Whigs were a major political group in Britain at the time, known for supporting Parliament's power over the King.

Early Life and Military Beginnings

Lord Henry Beauclerk was the fourth son of Charles Beauclerk, 1st Duke of St Albans and Diana Beauclerk, Duchess of St Albans. His family was well-known and connected.

When he was just 16 years old, on October 12, 1717, he started his military career. He received a "commission," which is like an official appointment, to become an ensign in the 31st Regiment of Foot. An ensign was a junior officer rank.

Fighting in Gibraltar

In 1727, Lord Henry and his regiment were part of the Thirteenth siege of Gibraltar. This was a major military event where British forces defended Gibraltar against a Spanish attack. After this experience, in October 1727, he was promoted to captain in the 3rd Regiment of Foot.

In May 1735, he moved to a more senior role. He transferred to the 1st Foot Guards and became a lieutenant colonel. This showed his steady rise through the ranks of the army.

A Career in Politics

In addition to his military service, Lord Henry Beauclerk also had a long career in politics.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1740, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Plymouth. An MP is a person chosen by voters to represent them in the British Parliament, which is the country's main law-making body. He supported the government led by Robert Walpole at that time.

The next year, in 1741, he was elected again, this time for Thetford. He gained this position with the help of his cousin, Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton. This kind of support from powerful people was common in politics back then. Lord Henry continued to represent Thetford in Parliament until he passed away in 1761.

Later Military Service

Lord Henry Beauclerk continued to serve in the army while also being a politician.

Leading Regiments

From 1743 to 1745, he was the colonel of the 48th Regiment of Foot. A colonel is a high-ranking officer who commands a regiment. After that, from 1745 to 1749, he became the colonel of the 31st Regiment of Foot, the same regiment he had joined as a young ensign.

A Disagreement and Retirement

In 1749, Lord Henry decided to leave his command in the army. This happened because Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, a very powerful military leader, would not allow him to take more than two months of leave. The Duke of Cumberland was upset because Lord Henry had refused to change his vote during a "court martial" in 1745. A court martial is a military trial. Lord Henry had voted to clear someone who the Duke wanted to see found guilty. Because of this disagreement, Lord Henry sold his position and left the army.

Family Life

On June 24, 1739, Lord Henry Beauclerk married Martha Lovelace. She was the daughter of John Lovelace, 4th Baron Lovelace. Together, Lord Henry and Martha had seven children.