Regency Personalities Series-Henry Vane 2nd Duke of Cleveland
Regency Personalities Series
In my attempts to provide us with the details of the Regency, today I continue with one of the many period notables.
Henry Vane 2nd Duke of Cleveland
6 August 1788 – 18 January 1864
Henry Vane
Henry Vane 2nd Duke of Cleveland was a British peer, politician and army officer.
Born The Honourable Henry Vane, he was the eldest son of William Vane, Viscount Barnard and his first wife, Katherine, the second daughter of Harry Powlett, 6th Duke of Bolton. In 1792, his father inherited the earldom of Darlington from his father, whereupon Vane became Viscount Barnard.
In 1812, Barnard became Member of Parliament for County Durham, a seat he held until 1815. He was then MP for Winchelsea from 1816–18, Tregony from 1818–26, Totnes from 1826–30, Saltash from 1830–31 and finally for South Shropshire from 1832–42. In 1827, Barnard’s father was promoted in the Peerage as Marquess of Cleveland in 1827 and further as Duke of Cleveland in 1833, whereupon Barnard became Earl of Darlington after the first promotion.
In 1815, Darlington had joined the British Army, eventually rising through the ranks as a lieutenant-colonel in the 75th Regiment of Foot in 1824, major-general in 1851, lieutenant-general in 1857 and finally a general in 1863. In 1842, he inherited his father’s titles and was also appointed a Knight of the Garter that year.
On 18 November 1809, Cleveland had married Lady Sophia Poulett (1785–1859), the eldest daughter of John Poulett, 4th Earl Poulett. He died childless in 1864 and his titles passed to his brother, William.
