Sir Harry Verney, 2nd Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Verney
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Verney as caricatured by Spy (Leslie Ward) in Vanity Fair), July 1882
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| Born |
Harry Calvert
8 September 1801 Claydon, Suffolk, England
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| Died | 12 February 1894 (aged 92) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years active | 1832–1885 |
| Spouse(s) |
Eliza Hope
(m. 1835; died 1857)Frances Nightingale
(m. 1858; died 1891) |
| Children | 7, including Sir Edmund Hope Verney, 3rd Baronet and Frederick William Verney |
| Parents |
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Sir Harry Verney, 2nd Baronet (born Harry Calvert) was an important English politician and soldier. He lived from 1801 to 1894. He was a member of the Liberal Party and served in the House of Commons, which is like the main law-making group in the UK. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years between 1832 and 1885.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Harry Calvert was born on September 8, 1801. His father was Sir Harry Calvert, 1st Baronet, and his mother was Caroline Hammersley. A "Baronet" is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family.
Harry went to Harrow School, a famous school in England. When he was 15, he joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This is a special college where people train to become army officers.
In 1826, Harry's father passed away, and Harry became the 2nd Baronet. The next year, he changed his last name to Verney. He did this so he could inherit the large family estates of his cousin, Mary Verney.
Later, in 1829, he studied at Downing College, Cambridge, which is part of the famous University of Cambridge. He became friends with important thinkers there.
Military Adventures and Career
Harry Verney started his army career in 1819 with the 31st Regiment of Foot. He was sent to Germany, where he learned German, French, and Italian. This shows he was very good at languages!
He returned to England in 1820 and joined the 7th Royal Fusiliers. From 1824, he served with the Grenadier Guards, another famous army group. In 1826, he worked as a private secretary for the Commander-in-Chief of the Forces, a very high-ranking army leader.
Harry was supposed to travel to India with Lord William Bentinck, who was going to be the Governor-General. But on the way, Harry got sick in Brazil. After he recovered, he explored the Pampas and the Andes mountains, even hunting with local people. He sailed around Cape Horn to get back to England in 1829.
He was promoted to major in the army in 1831. He later joined the Royal Buckinghamshire Militia in 1844 and retired from the army two years later.
A Life in Politics
Sir Harry Verney was a dedicated politician. He first became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1832, representing the area of Buckingham. He served there until 1841.
After a short break, he was elected again in 1847, this time for Bedford, and served until 1852. He returned to represent Buckingham in 1857 and continued until 1874.
He was re-elected for Buckingham in 1880 and served for another five years. In 1885, his last year in the House of Commons, he was given the special title of Privy Counsellor. This is a group of important advisors to the King or Queen.
Besides being an MP, Sir Harry Verney also held other important roles. He was a deputy lieutenant and a justice of the peace for Buckinghamshire. These roles involve helping with local government and law.
He was also a member of the Royal Geographical Society, which promotes exploration and understanding of the world. He helped start the Royal Agricultural Society, which supports farming in England. Sir Harry also led railway companies, helping to build train lines in the country.
Family Life
Sir Harry Verney was married twice. In 1835, he married Eliza Hope. They had seven children together: four sons and three daughters. Sadly, Eliza passed away in 1857.
In 1858, he married Frances Parthenope Nightingale. She was the sister of the famous nurse, Florence Nightingale.
Sir Harry Verney lived a long life and passed away at the age of 92 in 1894. His oldest son, Edmund, took over his title as the 3rd Baronet. His youngest son, Frederick, also became a diplomat and politician.
Lasting Legacy
Sir Harry Verney left a lasting mark on England. Two railway stations in Buckinghamshire are named after him: Calvert and Verney Junction.
His name also traveled across the world! Mount Verney, Sir Harry Peak, and Sir Harry Range in British Columbia, Canada, were all named in his honor.
Even today, one of the buildings at the University of Buckingham is called "Verney Park." This shows how much he was respected and remembered.
