Sir Henry Fane, KB

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Sir Henry Fane, KB (1650-buried Basildon 12 January 1705/1706)

Son of Colonel the hon. George Fane (1616-1663) of Hatton garden and Basildon, Berkshire, by his wife Dorothy daughter and heir of James Horsey of Homington, Warwickshire.

His aunt, Rachel, Countess Dowager of Bath, secured him his KB (one of the 23) at the coronation of Charles II on 23rd April 1661. He was confirmed in her Irish estates on his marriage in 1668, by which time she was also his guardian.

His mother Dorothy had married thirdly Edward Wray of Barlings. In 1694 their daughter passed the estate of Barlings to her half-brother Sir Henry.

JP Devon 1674-87; JP Berks 1675-87.

He was Captain in the Queens Regiment of Horse 1678-79; Freeman of Wallingford 1685; Freedom of Belfast 1686; Deputy Ranger of Windsor Park from 14 May 1689. Returned as Whig MP for Reading in 1689, 1690 and 1695. Commissioner for assessment Berks 1677-80; Devon 1679-80; Commissioner for Irish forfeited estates in 1690; Irish Privy Councillor from 1690.

In May 1690 he was granted a valuable lease of land adjoining St. James's Park. It measured 25 by 800 foot.

He married 28 April 1668 Elizabeth (baptised Barnstable 9th February 1650-buried Basidon 15th December 1724), daughter of the late Thomas Southcott of Exeter, the younger son of Richard Southcott, of Calwoodley, Devon. She was heir of her nephew George Southcott. The property at Calverleigh, Bampton and Templeton was sold after 1749 and 1767 having been dis-entailed by act of Parliament. Having lived in Frith street, from 1713 Dame Elizabeth lived at 17 or 19 Soho square, now home to a cafe.

His eldest son Henry Bourchier Fane was killed in a duel by elias Burgess. The second son Charles was created Viscount Fane (1675/76-1744). The third son George (d.1709) was a Captain in the Royal Navy and died in service at New York. Another son Henry (c1685-1712/13) was one of the nominees for the first British tontine of 1693.