Sir Henry Wood, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir Henry Wood, 1st Baronet (1597 – 25 May 1671) was an important English official and politician. He worked for the King and Queen and was a member of the House of Commons from 1661 until he died in 1671.

Early Life and Family

Sir Henry Wood was born in Hackney, Middlesex, and was baptised on 17 October 1597. His father, Thomas Wood, held a position in the King's household. Henry also worked for the Royal Household, managing supplies.

He bought a large estate called Loudham Park in Ufford and other lands in Suffolk. These properties brought him a lot of money each year. Henry Wood also had a brother named Thomas Wood, who later became a Bishop of Lichfield.

Working for the Royal Family

During the First English Civil War, Sir Henry Wood was with King Charles I at Oxford in 1643. He was made a knight there on 16 April 1644. That same year, he traveled to France with Queen Henrietta Maria. He served as the Treasurer of her Household, managing her finances, and kept this job until he died.

After the war, in 1649, he had to pay a fine of £273 to Oliver Cromwell's government. Around 1657, while King Charles II was in exile, he made Henry Wood a baronet. This was a special title of honour.

After the King's Return

When King Charles II returned to England in 1660, a time known as the Restoration, Sir Henry Wood was given another important role. He became the Clerk of the Green Cloth, which meant he helped manage the King's household.

In 1661, he traveled with Queen Catherine when she came from Lisbon. He then became a member of her special council. Also in 1661, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Hythe. This meant he helped make laws for the country.

Family Life

Sir Henry Wood was married twice. His first wife was Anne Webb. They married around 1630. Sadly, she passed away in France during the English Civil War and was buried near Paris in 1648. They did not have any children together.

He married his second wife, Mary Gardiner, in Paris in November 1651. Mary was the daughter of Sir Thomas Gardiner, who supported the King. Mary was a Maid of Honour to Queen Henrietta Maria and later worked for Queen Catherine. She died from smallpox at age 38 on 17 March 1671 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

His Daughter, Mary Wood

Sir Henry Wood had a daughter named Mary, who was born to his second wife. Mary was only seven years old in 1670 and was set to inherit his large fortune. She was engaged to Charles FitzRoy, Earl of Southampton. He was one of King Charles II's sons.

After her father died in 1671, Mary went to live with Charles FitzRoy's mother, Barbara Villiers. In 1679, Mary and Charles were married, and she became the Duchess of Southampton. However, like her mother, Mary also died from smallpox in 1680, when she was barely seventeen. She was buried with her mother in Westminster Abbey.

Death

Sir Henry Wood died when he was about 73 years old. He passed away on 25 May 1671. He was buried in Ufford on 31 May 1671. Since he had no surviving sons, his title of Baronet ended when he died.