Henry Sydney, 1st Earl of Romney, English general and politician, Secretary of State for the Northern Department (d. 1704)

Henry Sidney, 1st Earl of Romney (March 1641 – 8 April 1704), often known by the alternate spelling Sydney, was a distinguished English statesman whose career spanned an era of profound political upheaval, culminating in the transformative Glorious Revolution. A prominent figure among the Whig faction, he distinguished himself not only as a seasoned politician and skilled administrator but also, to some extent, as a soldier. However, his enduring legacy is inextricably linked to his pivotal role as one of the clandestine group known as the "Immortal Seven," who courageously drafted the momentous Invitation to William of Orange in 1688, an act that directly precipitated the Glorious Revolution and irrevocably altered the course of British history by leading to the deposition of King James II of England.

Early Life and Rising Political Influence

Born into a family steeped in influence and intellectual pursuits, Henry Sidney was the youngest son of Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester, and Lady Dorothy Percy. His siblings included the notable republican Algernon Sidney and the famed beauty Dorothy Sidney, Countess of Sunderland. This aristocratic background provided him with a natural entrée into the political and social circles of Restoration England. Initially serving in military capacities, including a diplomatic mission to Sweden, Sidney’s true calling emerged in the labyrinthine world of politics. As a Whig, he aligned himself with those who championed parliamentary authority and sought to limit the monarch's absolute power, a stance that would prove increasingly significant as the reign of James II unfolded.

The Precipice of Revolution: The Immortal Seven

The political climate in England during the late 1680s was fraught with tension. King James II, a staunch Roman Catholic, pursued policies that many perceived as autocratic and deeply threatening to the established Protestant ascendancy and parliamentary liberties. His attempts to promote Catholic appointees, grant religious toleration (which was seen as favouring Catholics), and the birth of a male heir in June 1688, which seemingly guaranteed a Catholic succession, pushed the nation to the brink. It was against this backdrop of widespread anxiety and disaffection that a secret pact was formed.

Henry Sidney emerged as a central figure in this conspiracy. Recognised for his political acumen and trusted connections, he became the principal architect and signatory of the "Invitation to William," a clandestine letter dispatched to William of Orange, Stadtholder of the Netherlands and James II's Protestant son-in-law. Signed by seven prominent English noblemen and gentry, later immortalised as the "Immortal Seven," this document formally requested William to intervene militarily in England to protect Protestantism and English liberties. The signatories included Sidney, along with figures such as the Earl of Devonshire, the Earl of Shrewsbury, Lord Lumley, the Bishop of London (Henry Compton), Edward Russell, and Richard Lumley, 1st Earl of Scarbrough. Their audacious appeal presented William with the legitimate pretext he needed to launch an invasion.

The Glorious Revolution and Sidney's Subsequent Career

The "Invitation to William" proved to be the catalyst for the Glorious Revolution of November 1688. William's successful landing with his army, coupled with widespread support and desertions from James II's forces, led to James's flight to France. This relatively bloodless revolution, achieved with minimal direct conflict, resulted in the establishment of William III and Mary II as joint monarchs, fundamentally reshaping the English constitution by asserting parliamentary supremacy and enshrining a Protestant succession.

In the aftermath of this monumental event, Henry Sidney's indispensable contribution was duly recognised and rewarded. He served with distinction in various high offices under the new monarchy. In 1689, he was made a Privy Counsellor, and his administrative capabilities saw him appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, a crucial and often challenging post, which he held until 1692. Further honours followed, including his elevation to Baron Sidney of Penshurst and later, in 1694, to Earl of Romney. He also served as Master-General of the Ordnance, overseeing military supplies and fortifications, a role that drew upon his earlier military experience. Throughout his career, Sidney remained a staunch advocate for the Whig principles that had guided his actions during the Revolution.

Legacy

Henry Sidney passed away on 8 April 1704. While his broader career was marked by significant administrative and political service, it is his courage and strategic brilliance as one of the Immortal Seven that secures his place in English history. His role in drafting the Invitation to William was not merely a political act but a defining moment that facilitated a constitutional revolution, setting England on a path towards a more parliamentary and limited monarchy, a legacy that continues to resonate in modern democratic governance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Henry Sidney and the Glorious Revolution

Who was Henry Sidney, 1st Earl of Romney?
Henry Sidney (1641–1704) was an influential English Whig politician, soldier, and administrator, best known for being one of the "Immortal Seven" who invited William of Orange to England, leading to the Glorious Revolution.
What was the "Immortal Seven"?
The "Immortal Seven" was a group of seven prominent English noblemen and gentry who, in 1688, secretly drafted and signed a letter (the "Invitation to William") asking William of Orange to intervene militarily in England. This act was crucial in instigating the Glorious Revolution.
What was the "Invitation to William"?
It was a secret letter, primarily drafted by Henry Sidney, sent in June 1688 to William of Orange. The letter formally requested William to bring an army to England to protect Protestantism and English liberties from the perceived autocratic and Catholic-favouring rule of King James II.
What was the Glorious Revolution?
The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was a relatively bloodless political upheaval in England that resulted in the deposition of King James II and the ascension of William III and Mary II as joint monarchs. It significantly limited the power of the monarchy and asserted the supremacy of Parliament, establishing a Protestant succession.
Why was King James II deposed?
King James II was deposed due to widespread fear and opposition to his pro-Catholic policies, his perceived attempts to rule as an absolute monarch, and the birth of his Catholic male heir, which threatened to establish a Catholic dynasty in England. These factors led to the invitation of William of Orange and the subsequent revolution.
What did it mean to be a "Whig" politician in Henry Sidney's time?
In Henry Sidney's era, a "Whig" politician generally advocated for stronger parliamentary power, opposed absolute monarchy, and supported the rights of Protestants. They were often wary of Catholic influence and championed a more limited, constitutional role for the monarch, as opposed to the Tories who typically favoured stronger royal prerogatives.