Richard Boyle
Great BritainHenry Boyle, 1st Earl of Shannon
Early Life and FamilyHenry Boyle was born on July 2, 1739, the son of Richard Boyle, 1st Viscount Shannon, and Elizabeth Ponsonby. In 1699, he inherited the Viscountcy of Shannon from his paternal grandfather, Francis Boyle, 1st Viscount Shannon.
Military Career
In 1688, Boyle joined the War of the Augsburg League. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Neerwinden/Landen on July 29, 1693. In 1702, he formed the Viscount Shannon's Regiment of Marines, serving as its colonel until it was disbanded in 1713. Boyle received the rank of brigadier on August 25, 1704, and became a major general on January 1, 1706, and a lieutenant general in 1715.
Political Career
Boyle was a member of the House of Commons for Arundel from 1708 to 1710, for Hythe from 1710 to 1711, and for East Grinstead from 1715 to 1734. He was appointed a Privy Councilor in 1721, and in 1720, he was made Commander-in-Chief of the Irish Forces.
Later Life and Death
In February 1720, Boyle married Grace Senhouse, and they had a daughter named Grace Boyle. He held several honorary colonelcies and served as Governor of Portsmouth from 1737 to 1740. On August 27, 1735, Boyle was promoted to full general. He died on December 27, 1740, and was buried at St Mary's Parish Church in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.
