Sir Harry Burrard, 1st Baronet, of Walhampton facts for kids
Sir Harry Burrard, 1st Baronet (born 1707 – died 12 April 1791) was an important British politician. He served in the House of Commons for 37 years, from 1741 to 1778. The House of Commons is a big part of the British Parliament, where laws are made.
Early Life and Walhampton
Harry Burrard was the oldest son of Paul Burrard, who was also a Member of Parliament. His family lived at a place called Walhampton Manor.
In 1728, when he was about 21, Harry Burrard became a Gentleman Usher to Frederick, Prince of Wales. This was a special job helping the Prince. A few years later, in 1731, he started working as a Collector of Customs in London. This meant he helped collect taxes on goods coming into the city.
When his father passed away in 1738, Harry Burrard took over Walhampton Manor.
A Career in Politics
The Burrard family was very important in the port town of Lymington. Because of their influence, they often held both of the town's seats in Parliament. Harry Burrard's father and grandfather had both been Members of Parliament for Lymington before him.
In 1761, Harry Burrard was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Lymington area. He kept this job until 1778, serving for many years.
He also had other important roles. In 1754, he became a riding forester of the New Forest. This meant he helped manage and protect the forest. Later, in 1761, he was made the Governor of Calshot Castle, which was a fort built to protect the coast.
On 3 April 1769, Harry Burrard received a special honor. He was made a baronet, which is a hereditary title given by the King. His title was "Baronet of Walhampton."
His Family
Sir Harry Burrard was married twice. His first wife was Alicia Snape, whom he married in 1731. They had one daughter and four sons. Later, in 1754, he married Mary Frances Clarke. They had another daughter and one son.
Sadly, all of Sir Harry's own sons passed away before him. Because of this, when he died, his baronet title went to the oldest son of his younger brother, who was Harry Burrard-Neale.
