Sir Henry Bellingham, 4th Baronet facts for kids
Sir Alan Henry Bellingham, 4th Baronet (born August 23, 1846 – died June 9, 1921) was an important figure in Irish and British history. He was a Conservative Member of Parliament (MP), which means he helped make laws in the British government. He also held several important jobs in his home county of Louth, Ireland, like being a Justice of the Peace (a local judge), High Sheriff of Louth (a top law enforcement officer), and Lord Lieutenant of Louth (the King's representative). Sir Alan was also a Senator at the Royal University of Ireland and even worked for three different popes as a Private Chamberlain. He was the father of Sir Edward Bellingham, 5th Bt. and the uncle of Sir Evelyn Wrench, who was a famous editor.
Early Life and Education
Sir Alan Henry Bellingham was born at Dunany House, near Castlebellingham, County Louth, in Ireland. He was the oldest son of Sir Alan Bellingham, 3rd Baronet and his wife Elizabeth Clarke. His family had lived at Castlebellingham since 1660.
He went to school at Windlesham House School and Harrow School, which are both well-known schools in England. Later, he studied at Exeter College, Oxford, a famous university. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1869 and a Master of Arts degree three years later. In 1909, he received an special Honorary Doctorate of Law from the Royal University of Ireland and became one of its senators, helping to guide the university.
Public Service and Career
Sir Alan became the 4th Baronet in 1889 after his father passed away. A baronet is a special title that is passed down through families, similar to a knight but inherited. In 1900, he also inherited the large Castlebellingham estate from his uncle, Sydney Robert Bellingham.
He served in the British Army as a captain in the 6th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. In 1880, he was elected to the British House of Commons, which is part of the British Parliament. He represented County Louth as a Member of Parliament (MP) until 1885.
Sir Alan held many important roles in his home county. He was the High Sheriff of Louth in 1897, responsible for law and order. He was also a Justice of the Peace, helping to deal with local legal matters. In 1911, he became the Lord Lieutenant of Louth, which meant he was the official representative of the King in the county. He held this important position until he died in 1921.
Beyond his work in Ireland and the British Parliament, Sir Alan also had a unique role working for the Catholic Church. He was a Commissioner of National Education for Ireland, helping to shape education in the country. He also served as a Private Chamberlain to three different popes: Pius IX, Leo XIII, and Pius X. This was a special role, showing his close connection to the Vatican.
Family Life
Sir Alan Henry Bellingham was married twice. His first marriage was on January 13, 1874, to Lady Constance Julia Eleanor Georgiana Noel. They had two sons and two daughters together.
Their children included:
- Ida Mary Elizabeth Agnes Bellingham (1876–1945), who became a nun.
- Sir Edward Henry Charles Patrick Bellingham, 5th Baronet (1879–1956), who followed in his father's footsteps and became a Brigadier-General. He inherited the baronetcy after his father's death.
- Augusta Mary Monica Bellingham (1880–1947).
- Roger Charles Noel Bellingham (1884–1915), who was a Captain in the Royal Field Artillery and sadly died during World War I.
After Lady Constance passed away in 1891, Sir Alan married again on June 11, 1895, to Hon. Lelgarde Harry Florence Clifton.
Sir Alan Henry Bellingham passed away at the age of 74. His oldest son, Edward, then became the 5th Baronet.
