Sir Henry Gough, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Henry Gough, also known as Sir Harry Gough, was an important British merchant and politician who lived from 1709 to 1774. He lived at Edgbaston Hall in Warwickshire, England. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government that helps make laws for the country. He served there from 1732 to 1741.
Early Life and Family
Henry Gough was the son of Sir Richard Gough. His mother was Ann Crisp. Henry went to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge and also studied law at Inner Temple in 1725.
He became a merchant, which means he traded goods. He worked for the East India Company, a very large company that traded with countries in Asia.
When his father passed away in 1728, Henry inherited his family's estate. He also received a special title called a baronet. This title is passed down through the family, similar to a knight, but it's a hereditary honor.
Henry Gough married Catherine Harpur. She was the daughter of Sir John Harpur.
Political Career
Henry Gough became a Member of Parliament for Totnes in 1732. This meant he had a seat in the House of Commons and helped make decisions for the country. He usually supported the government's plans and voted with them.
In 1734, he became an MP for Bramber, along with his cousin, Harry Gough. He continued to support the government during his time in Parliament. He decided to retire from politics in 1741.
After his first wife Catherine passed away, Henry Gough married Barbara Calthorpe in 1741. She came from a wealthy family in Hampshire.
Family and Legacy
Sir Henry Gough passed away on June 8, 1774. He had six children with his second wife, Barbara.
His son, Henry, inherited his father's baronet title. Later, this son also inherited land from his mother's family and changed his name to Henry Gough-Calthorpe. He was later given another important title, becoming the 1st Baron Calthorpe.
Sir Henry Gough also had two daughters, Barbara and Charlotte.
- His daughter Barbara married a wealthy businessman named Isaac Spooner. They had ten children. One of their daughters, also named Barbara Spooner, married the famous abolitionist William Wilberforce. William Wilberforce worked very hard to end slavery in the British Empire.
- His daughter Charlotte married Sir John Palmer, 5th Baronet. He was also a Member of Parliament for Leicestershire.
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