Sir Henry Oxenden, 4th Baronet facts for kids

Sir Henry Oxenden, 4th Baronet (born 10 July 1690 – died 21 April 1720) was an English politician. He was a member of the Whig Party, which was a major political group in Britain at the time. Sir Henry served in the House of Commons, which is part of the British Parliament, from 1713 until his death in 1720.

Early Life and Family Connections

Henry Oxenden was the son of George Oxenden, who was a master at Trinity Hall, Cambridge university. His mother was Elizabeth Dixwell. Henry himself went to Trinity Hall, Cambridge, starting in 1707.

In 1709, Henry became the 4th Baronet when his uncle, Sir Henry Oxenden, 3rd Baronet, passed away. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family. When Henry inherited this title, there were some legal challenges about his uncle's will, but he eventually took on the role. In 1712, he married Anne Holloway.

Political Career in Parliament

Sir Henry Oxenden followed in his uncle's footsteps in politics. He tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for the town of Sandwich, Kent, in a special election in 1713, but he didn't win that time.

However, later in 1713, during the general election, he was elected as an MP for Sandwich without anyone running against him. This meant he officially became a representative in the House of Commons. He was re-elected in another election in 1715, this time winning in a contest against other candidates.

As an MP, Sir Henry voted with the Whig Party. He supported their ideas and policies in Parliament.

Later Years and Legacy

Sir Henry Oxenden passed away at the age of 29 on 21 April 1720. He asked to be buried in his family's special burial place in Wingham, Kent.

He did not have any children. Because of this, his younger brother, Sir George Oxenden, 5th Baronet, took over the baronetcy title and also became the MP for Sandwich after him.