Biography of Henry Savile 1642-1687

Paternal Family Tree: Savile

Maternal Family Tree: Elizabeth Aldersley Baroness Coventry 1580-1653

In 1626 [her uncle] George Savile 2nd Baronet (age 15) died. His brother [her father] William Savile 3rd Baronet (age 14) succeeded 3rd Baronet Savile of Thornhill. [her mother] Anne Coventry Baroness Savile (age 14) by marriage Lady Savile of Thornhill.

On 29 Dec 1629 [her father] William Savile 3rd Baronet (age 17) and [her mother] Anne Coventry Baroness Savile (age 17) were married.

In 1642 Henry Savile was born to William Savile 3rd Baronet (age 30) and Anne Coventry Baroness Savile (age 30).

On 24 Jan 1644 [her father] William Savile 3rd Baronet (age 32) died. His son [her brother] George Savile 1st Marquess Halifax (age 10) succeeded 4th Baronet Savile of Thornhill.

Around 1655 [her step-father] Thomas Chicheley of Wimpole (age 40) and [her mother] Anne Coventry Baroness Savile (age 43) were married.

On or before 31 Jul 1662, the date she was buried, [her mother] Anne Coventry Baroness Savile (age 50) died.

In 1665 Henry Savile (age 23) was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to the Duke of York (age 31).

Pepy's Diary. 17 Nov 1665. As an infinite secret, my Lord tells me, the factions are high between the King (age 35) and the Duke (age 32), and all the Court are in an uproare with their loose amours; the Duke of Yorke (age 32) being in love desperately with Mrs. Stewart (age 18). Nay, that the Duchesse (age 28) herself is fallen in love with her new Master of the Horse, one Harry Sidney (age 24), and another, Harry Savill (age 23). So that God knows what will be the end of it. And that the Duke (age 32) is not so obsequious as he used to be, but very high of late; and would be glad to be in the head of an army as Generall; and that it is said that he do propose to go and command under the King of Spayne (age 4), in Flanders.

In 1669 Henry Savile (age 27) was sent to the Tower of London [Map] for a few days for having carried Thomas Coventry's (age 40) challenge to the Duke of Buckingham (age 40).

Pepy's Diary. 01 Mar 1669. Up, and to White Hall to the Committee of Tangier, but it did not meet. But here I do hear first that my Lady Paulina Montagu (deceased) did die yesterday; at which I went to my Lord's lodgings, but he is shut up with sorrow, and so not to be spoken with: and therefore I returned, and to Westminster Hall [Map], where I have not been, I think, in some months. And here the Hall was very full, the King (age 38) having, by Commission to some Lords this day, prorogued the Parliament till the 19th of October next: at which I am glad, hoping to have time to go over to France this year. But I was most of all surprised this morning by my Lord Bellassis (age 54), who, by appointment, met me at Auditor Wood's, at the Temple [Map], and tells me of a duell designed between the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) and my [her brother] Lord Halifax (age 35), or [her uncle] Sir W. Coventry (age 41); the challenge being carried by Harry Saville (age 27), but prevented by my Lord Arlington (age 51), and the King (age 38) told of it; and this was all the discourse at Court this day. But I, meeting Sir W. Coventry (age 41) in the Duke of York's (age 35) chamber, he would not own it to me, but told me that he was a man of too much peace to meddle with fighting, and so it rested: but the talk is full in the town of the business.

Pepy's Diary. 04 Mar 1669. Up, and a while at the office, but thinking to have Mr. Povy's (age 55) business to-day at the Committee for Tangier, I left the Board and away to White Hall, where in the first court I did meet Sir Jeremy Smith, who did tell me that [her uncle] Sir W. Coventry (age 41) was just now sent to the Tower, about the business of his challenging the Duke of Buckingham (age 41), and so was also Harry Saville (age 27) to the Gate-house; which, as [he is] a gentleman, and of the Duke of York's (age 35) bedchamber, I heard afterwards that the Duke of York (age 35) is mightily incensed at, and do appear very high to the King (age 38) that he might not be sent thither, but to the Tower [Map], this being done only in contempt to him. This news of Sir W. Coventry (age 41) did strike me to the heart, and with reason, for by this and my Lord of Ormond's (age 58) business, I do doubt that the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) will be so flushed, that he will not stop at any thing, but be forced to do any thing now, as thinking it not safe to end here; and, Sir W. Coventry (age 41) being gone, the King (age 38) will have never a good counsellor, nor the Duke of York (age 35) any sure friend to stick to him; nor any good man will be left to advise what is good. This, therefore, do heartily trouble me as any thing that ever I heard. So up into the House, and met with several people; but the Committee did not meet; and the whole House I find full of this business of Sir W. Coventry's (age 41), and most men very sensible of the cause and effects of it. So, meeting with my Lord Bellassis (age 54), he told me the particulars of this matter; that it arises about a quarrel which Sir W. Coventry (age 41) had with the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) about a design between the Duke and Sir Robert Howard, to bring him into a play at the King's house, which W. Coventry (age 41) not enduring, did by H. Saville (age 27) send a letter to the Duke of Buckingham (age 41), that he had a desire to speak with him. Upon which, the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) did bid Holmes (age 47), his champion ever since my Lord Shrewsbury's business1, go to him to know the business; but H. Saville (age 27) would not tell it to any but himself, and therefore did go presently to the Duke of Buckingham (age 41), and told him that his uncle Coventry (age 41) was a person of honour, and was sensible of his Grace's liberty taken of abusing him, and that he had a desire of satisfaction, and would fight with him. But that here they were interrupted by my Lord Chamberlain's (age 67) coming in, who was commanded to go to bid the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) to come to the King (age 38), Holmes (age 47) having discovered it. He told me that the King (age 38) did last night, at the Council, ask the Duke of Buckingham (age 41), upon his honour, whether he had received any challenge from W. Coventry (age 41)? which he confessed that he had; and then the King (age 38) asking W. Coventry (age 41), he told him that he did not owne what the Duke of Buckingham (age 41) had said, though it was not fit for him to give him a direct contradiction. But, being by the King (age 38) put upon declaring, upon his honour, the matter, he answered that he had understood that many hard questions had upon this business been moved to some lawyers, and that therefore he was unwilling to declare any thing that might, from his own mouth, render him obnoxious to his Majesty's displeasure, and, therefore, prayed to be excused: which the King (age 38) did think fit to interpret to be a confession, and so gave warrant that night for his commitment to the Tower. Being very much troubled at this, I away by coach homewards, and directly to the Tower, where I find him in one Mr. Bennet's house, son to Major Bayly, one of the Officers of the Ordnance, in the Bricke Tower [Map]2 where I find him busy with my [her brother] Lord Halifax (age 35) and his [her uncle] brother (age 50); so I would not stay to interrupt them, but only to give him comfort, and offer my service to him, which he kindly and cheerfully received, only owning his being troubled for the King (age 38) his master's displeasure, which, I suppose, is the ordinary form and will of persons in this condition. And so I parted, with great content, that I had so earlily seen him there; and so going out, did meet Sir Jer. Smith going to meet me, who had newly been with Sir W. Coventry (age 41). And so he and I by water to Redriffe [Map], and so walked to Deptford, Kent [Map], where I have not been, I think, these twelve months: and there to the Treasurer's house, where the Duke of York (age 35) is, and his Duchess (age 31); and there we find them at dinner in the great room, unhung; and there was with them my Lady Duchess of Monmouth (age 31), the Countess of Falmouth (age 24), Castlemayne (age 28), Henrietta Hide (age 23) (my Lady Hinchingbroke's (age 24) sister), and my Lady Peterborough (age 47). And after dinner Sir Jer. Smith and I were invited down to dinner with some of the Maids of Honour, namely, Mrs. Ogle (age 17), Blake (age 16), and Howard (age 18), which did me good to have the honour to dine with, and look on; and the Mother of the Maids, and Mrs. Howard (age 43), the mother of the Maid of Honour of that name, and the Duke's housekeeper here. Here was also Monsieur Blancfort (age 28), Sir Richard Powell, Colonel Villers (age 48), Sir Jonathan Trelawny (age 46), and others. And here drank most excellent, and great variety, and plenty of wines, more than I have drank, at once, these seven years, but yet did me no great hurt. Having dined and very merry, and understanding by Blancfort (age 28) how angry the Duke of York (age 35) was, about their offering to send Saville to the Gate-house, among the rogues; and then, observing how this company, both the ladies and all, are of a gang, and did drink a health to the union of the two brothers, and talking of others as their enemies, they parted, and so we up; and there I did find the Duke of York (age 35) and Duchess (age 31), with all the great ladies, sitting upon a carpet, on the ground, there being no chairs, playing at "I love my love with an A, because he is so and so: and I hate him with an A, because of this and that:" and some of them, but particularly the Duchess (age 31) herself, and my Baroness Castlemayne (age 28), were very witty. This done, they took barge, and I with Sir J. Smith to Captain Cox's; and there to talk, and left them and other company to drink; while I slunk out to Bagwell's; and there saw her, and her mother, and our late maid Nell, who cried for joy to see me, but I had no time for pleasure then nor could stay, but after drinking I back to the yard, having a month's mind para have had a bout with Nell, which I believe I could have had, and may another time.

Note 1. Charles II wrote to his sister (age 24) (Henrietta, Duchess of Orléans), on March 7th, 1669: "I am not sorry that Sir Will. Coventry has given me this good occasion by sending my Lord of Buckingham (age 41) a challenge to turne him out of the Councill. I do intend to turn him allso out of the Treasury. The truth of it is, he has been a troublesome man in both places and I am well rid of him" (Julia Cartwright's "Madame", 1894, p. 283).

Note 2. The Brick Tower [Map] stands on the northern wall, a little to the west of Martin tower, with which it communicates by a secret passage. It was the residence of the Master of the Ordnance, and Raleigh was lodged here for a time.

Pepy's Diary. 21 Mar 1669. Lord's Day. Up, and by water over to Southwarke [Map]; and then, not getting a boat, I forced to walk to Stangate; and so over to White Hall, in a scull; where up to the Duke of York's (age 35) dressing-room, and there met Harry Saville (age 27), and understand that [her uncle] Sir W. Coventry (age 41) is come to his house last night. I understand by Mr. Wren (age 40) that his friends having, by Secretary Trevor (age 45) and my Lord Keeper (age 63), applied to the King (age 38) upon his first coming home, and a promise made that he should be discharged this day, my Lord Arlington (age 51) did anticipate them, by sending a warrant presently for his discharge which looks a little like kindness, or a desire of it; which God send! though I fear the contrary: however, my heart is glad that he is out.

Pepy's Diary. 22 Mar 1669. Up, and by water, with W. Newer, to White Hall, there to attend the Lords of the Treasury; but, before they sat, I did make a step to see [her uncle] Sir W. Coventry (age 41) at his house, where, I bless God! he is come again; but in my way I met him, and so he took me into his coach and carried me to White Hall, and there set me down where he ought not-at least, he hath not yet leave to come, nor hath thought fit to ask it, hearing that Henry Saville (age 27) is not only denied to kiss the King's hand, but the King (age 38), being asked it by the Duke of York (age 35), did deny it, and directed that the Duke shall not receive him, to wait upon him in his chamber, till further orders. Sir W. Coventry (age 41) told me that he was going to visit Sir John Trevor, who hath been kind to him; and he shewed me a long list of all his friends that he must this week make visits to, that come to visit him in the Tower; and seems mighty well satisfied with his being out of business, but I hope he will not long be so; at least, I do believe that all must go to rat if the King (age 38) do not come to see the want of such a servant.

Evelyn's Diary. 21 May 1670. Came to visit me Mr. Henry Saville (age 28), and Sir Charles Scarborough (age 54).

From 1673 to May 1678 Henry Savile (age 36) was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 42).

From 1680 to 1687 Henry Savile (age 45) was appointed Vice-Chamberlain of the Household.

From 1682 to 1684 Henry Savile (age 42) was appointed Lord of the Admiralty.

Evelyn's Diary. 17 Feb 1685. This morning his Ma* (age 51) restor'd the staffe and key to Lord Arlington (age 67), Chamberlaine; to Mr. Savell (age 43), Vice-chamberlaine; to Lords Newport (age 64) and Malnard (age 62), Treasurer and Comptroler of the Household; Lord Godolphin (age 39) made Chamberlaine to ye Queene (age 26); Lord Peterborow (age 63) Groome of ye Stole in place of the Earle of Bath (age 56); the Treasurer's staff to the Earle of Rochester (age 42); and his brother the Earle of Clarendon Lord Privie Seale in place of the [her brother] Marquis of Halifax (age 51), who was made President of the Council; the Secretarys of State remaining as before.

On 06 Oct 1687 Henry Savile (age 45) died.

Royal Ancestors of Henry Savile 1642-1687

Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Daughter of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 16 Grand Daughter of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 22 Grand Daughter of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 17 Grand Daughter of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings England: Great x 9 Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 13 Grand Daughter of William "Lion" I King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 15 Grand Daughter of Louis VII King Franks

Kings France: Great x 11 Grand Daughter of Philip "The Fair" IV King France

Ancestors of Henry Savile 1642-1687

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Savile 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Savile 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Savile 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: George Savile 1st Baronet 10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

GrandFather: George Savile 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: George Talbot 4th Earl of Shrewsbury 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Francis Talbot 5th Earl of Shrewsbury 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Hastings Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: George Talbot 6th Earl of Shrewsbury 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Dacre 2nd Baron Dacre Gilsland 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Mary Dacre 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Greystoke 6th Baroness Greystoke Baroness Dacre Gilsland 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Mary Talbot 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: George Manners 11th Baron Ros Helmsley 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne St Leger Baroness Ros Helmsley 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Gertrude Manners Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Paston

Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor Paston Countess Rutland

Great x 4 Grandmother: Bridget Heydon

Father: William Savile 3rd Baronet 8 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas "Golden Thomas" Wentworth 10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Wentworth 9 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Beatrix Woodruffe 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Wentworth 10 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: William Wentworth 1st Baronet 7 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Gascoigne 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Gascoigne 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Fitzwilliam 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Gascoigne 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Roger Tempest of Broughton

Great x 3 Grandmother: Beatrice Tempest

GrandMother: Anne Wentworth 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Atkins

Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Atkins Baroness Wentworth Woodhouse

Henry Savile 9 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: Thomas Coventry

GrandFather: Thomas Coventry 1st Baron Coventry

Mother: Anne Coventry Baroness Savile

Great x 1 Grandfather: John Aldersley of Spurstow in Cheshire

GrandMother: Elizabeth Aldersley Baroness Coventry