Sir Henry Hugh Arthur Hoare, 6th Baronet facts for kids

Sir Henry Hugh Arthur Hoare (born November 19, 1865, died March 25, 1947) was an important English landowner. He is best known for fixing up a large country house called Stourhead in Wiltshire. A big fire damaged Stourhead in 1902. Before he passed away, Sir Henry gave the house and its beautiful gardens to the National Trust. The National Trust helps protect important places in England for everyone to enjoy.

Sir Henry Hoare and Stourhead

Early Life and Family

Sir Henry Hoare was born in 1865. His parents were Henry Arthur Hoare and Julia Lucy. He was also the grandson of another important family member, Sir Henry Hugh Hoare, 3rd Baronet. Henry went to a well-known school called Harrow School. Later, he served in the military with the 3rd Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment.

In 1887, Henry Hoare married Alda Weston. They had known each other since they were children. Their only child, a son named Henry Colt Arthur Hoare, was born in 1888. Everyone called him Harry.

Taking Over Stourhead

Sir Henry became the 6th Baronet and inherited the Stourhead estate in 1894. He received it from a cousin. Before he took over, the house had been empty for several years. The previous owner could not afford to keep it up. Sir Henry and his family moved into Stourhead in February 1895.

Restoring the Estate

In April 1902, a big fire broke out at Stourhead. It caused a lot of damage to the house. Sir Henry worked hard to restore the country house. He made sure it was repaired and brought back to its former glory. This restoration work is one of his most famous achievements.

A Sad Loss

When the First World War began, Sir Henry's son, Harry, joined the Dorset Yeomanry. Sadly, Harry was wounded while fighting in Egypt. He died in December 1917. This meant Sir Henry was left without a direct heir to inherit the family title and estate.

Connections and Legacy

In 1910, Lady Alda, Sir Henry's wife, met the famous writer Thomas Hardy. He lived in Dorchester, which was in a nearby county. Lady Alda started writing letters to both Thomas Hardy and his first wife, Emma. Their friendship continued even after Emma passed away and Hardy married Florence Dugdale. Many of these letters are still kept at Stourhead today.

Sir Henry also served as the High Sheriff of Wiltshire in 1915. This was an important role in the county, similar to a local official.

Sir Henry and his wife, Lady Alda, passed away on the same day. They died within six hours of each other in 1947. Sir Henry was 81 years old. Before his death, he made sure that Stourhead, the house and gardens he loved and restored, would be protected for the future. He gave it to the National Trust. This means many people can still visit and enjoy this beautiful place today.