Henry Sydney, 1st Earl of Romney, English colonel and politician, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (b. 1641)

Henry Sidney, 1st Earl of Romney (also spelled Sydney), born in March 1641 and passing away on 8 April 1704, was a prominent English Whig politician, a seasoned soldier, and an influential administrator. His life spanned a period of profound political and social upheaval in England, culminating in a momentous constitutional shift. Today, Sidney is primarily remembered for his critical involvement as one of the "Immortal Seven," a courageous group whose collective action directly instigated the Glorious Revolution.

Born into the illustrious Sidney family, known for its intellectual and political prominence, Henry Sidney was the youngest son of Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester, and his wife, Dorothy Percy. His lineage provided him with immediate access to the highest echelons of English society and politics. Early in his career, Sidney served as an envoy and diplomat, gaining valuable experience in international affairs. However, it was his unwavering commitment to Protestantism and constitutional monarchy that would define his most significant historical role. As a staunch Whig, he belonged to the political faction advocating for parliamentary power and opposing absolute monarchy, a stance that brought him into direct conflict with the policies of King James II.

The Immortal Seven and the Invitation to William

The core of Henry Sidney’s historical legacy lies in his clandestine involvement with the "Immortal Seven." This secret group comprised seven leading English noblemen and politicians, both Whigs and Tories, who were deeply concerned by King James II's increasingly autocratic and pro-Catholic policies. Fearful of a Catholic succession and the erosion of Protestant rights and parliamentary liberties, they took the extraordinary and dangerous step of drafting a formal invitation to William of Orange, the Dutch Stadtholder and husband of James II's Protestant daughter, Mary. Sidney was entrusted with the perilous task of secretly carrying this crucial document to the Netherlands, demonstrating his unwavering resolve and the high degree of trust placed in him by his fellow conspirators.

The "Invitation to William," delivered by Sidney in June 1688, was a calculated gamble. It assured William of widespread support in England if he were to intervene militarily to protect English liberties and the Protestant religion. This powerful appeal played a decisive role in convincing William to launch an formidable invasion, setting in motion the chain of events that would forever alter the course of English history.

The Glorious Revolution and Its Aftermath

The bold initiative of the Immortal Seven, culminating in Sidney's perilous mission, led directly to the Glorious Revolution of November 1688. This pivotal event saw William of Orange land with his army in Torbay, Devon, triggering a swift and largely bloodless overthrow of King James II. James II fled to France, effectively abdicating the throne. William and Mary were subsequently offered the crown jointly, establishing a new constitutional monarchy guided by the Declaration of Right (later the Bill of Rights 1689), which significantly curtailed royal power and affirmed parliamentary supremacy.

Following the success of the Revolution, Henry Sidney's loyalty and courageous actions were handsomely rewarded. He became a trusted advisor to King William III and Queen Mary II. His promotions were rapid and significant: he was created 1st Earl of Romney in 1694, a title that recognized his profound contributions. Throughout his post-Revolution career, Sidney held several high offices, including Secretary of State for the Southern Department (a key ministerial role), and later as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, where he faced complex administrative challenges. He continued to serve the new regime with distinction until his death in 1704.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Henry Sidney, 1st Earl of Romney?
Henry Sidney (1641–1704) was an influential English Whig politician, soldier, and administrator, best known for his pivotal role as one of the "Immortal Seven" who orchestrated the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
What was the "Immortal Seven"?
The "Immortal Seven" was a secret group of seven prominent English noblemen and politicians who, in 1688, drafted and delivered an invitation to William of Orange to intervene in England against King James II's increasingly autocratic rule. Henry Sidney was a key member of this clandestine group.
What was the "Invitation to William"?
This was a critical letter, secretly conveyed by Henry Sidney, from the Immortal Seven to William of Orange. It assured William of significant support in England if he brought an army to protect Protestant liberties and parliamentary rights, directly leading to his invasion and the Glorious Revolution.
What was the Glorious Revolution of 1688?
The Glorious Revolution was the largely bloodless overthrow of King James II of England by William of Orange in November 1688. It resulted in William and Mary ascending to the throne and established a constitutional monarchy with enhanced parliamentary power, profoundly shaping British governance and limiting royal authority.
What was Henry Sidney's political affiliation?
Henry Sidney was a staunch Whig, a political faction that advocated for parliamentary authority, religious toleration (for Protestants), and opposed the absolute power of the monarch, aligning him with those who sought to curb royal prerogative.
What happened to Henry Sidney after the Glorious Revolution?
After the successful Glorious Revolution, Henry Sidney was richly rewarded for his loyalty and service to William and Mary. He was made 1st Earl of Romney in 1694 and held several high offices, including Secretary of State for the Southern Department and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, serving the new regime until his death.