Introduction
Henry Hyde (c. 1563 – 29 September 1634) was an English politician and lawyer. He was the father of Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon (1609–1674), and thus was great-grandfather of two British monarchs, Queen Mary II and Queen Anne. He lived at Dinton and later at Purton, Wiltshire.
Origins
Hyde was born circa 1563, the son of Lawrence Hyde I (d.1590), MP, by his wife Anne Sybill. His brothers were Sir Nicholas Hyde (c.1572–1631), Lord Chief Justice of England (1627-1631) and Lawrence Hyde II (1562–1641), attorney-general to Anne of Denmark, wife of King James I.
Career
He matriculated at Magdalen College, Oxford, (then Magdalen Hall) aged 16 in 1579. He graduated BA in 1581, and was raised to the degree of MA in 1584. He entered the Middle Temple and practised as a lawyer. He was Member of Parliament for Ludgershall in 1588-9, and Old Sarum in 1601.
Character
Clarendon venerated his father's memory, describing him as the best of fathers and friends, and remarked that none of the honours he received through his life equalled that of being his father's son. His one surviving letter, to his brother Nicholas, suggests a kindly, good-humoured country gentleman, with a concern for the welfare of the poor not always shared by members of his class.
Marriage & progeny
On 3 April 1597 he married Mary Langford, daughter of Edward Langford and Mary St. Barbe, by whom he had:
- Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon (1609–1674), eldest son and heir, Lord High Chancellor of England during the reign of King Charles II.