Sir Henry Furnese, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Henry Furnese (born 1658, died 1712) was an important English businessman and politician. He lived in Kent and London. Sir Henry was a Whig politician, which was a political group at the time. He served in the English and British Parliament from 1698 to 1712.
Contents
Early Life and Business Career
Sir Henry Furnese was born in 1658. His father was also named Henry Furnese, from Sandwich, Kent. His mother was Anne Gosfright.
Learning the Ropes
When he was young, Henry became an apprentice with the Drapers' Company in 1672. This company was a group of people involved in the cloth trade. He became a successful merchant, trading goods in the City of London.
Becoming a Knight
Henry Furnese was recognized for his achievements. He was made a knight in 1691 in a place called The Hague. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name. He even became the leader, or "master," of the Drapers' Company from 1694 to 1695.
Helping Start the Bank of England
A very important part of his career was helping to create the Bank of England. This bank was founded in 1694. Sir Henry was one of its first directors. He also worked as a director for the New East India Company, which was a big trading company.
A Career in Politics
Sir Henry Furnese was also active in politics. He wanted to represent people in Parliament.
Serving in Parliament
He was first chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Bramber in 1698. However, he was removed because he held another job that wasn't allowed for MPs.
He was then elected for Sandwich in 1701. Again, he was removed shortly after. But he was elected a third time for Sandwich and kept that seat until he passed away.
Important Roles in London
Sir Henry also held important positions in the City of London. He was the Sheriff of London from 1700 to 1701. A sheriff was a high-ranking official.
In 1707, he was given the special title of Baronet. This is a hereditary title, meaning it can be passed down in the family. Later, in 1711, he became an Alderman for the City of London. Aldermen were important leaders in the city government.
Family Life and Legacy
Sir Henry Furnese was married twice. His first wife was Anne Brough, whom he married in 1684. She passed away in 1695. His second wife was Matilda, who was the daughter of another London merchant, Sir Thomas Vernon.
Sir Henry Furnese died on November 30, 1712, when he was 54 years old. His son, Robert, inherited his baronet title. Sir Henry's tomb is in Waldershare church. It was created by a sculptor named Thomas Green.
