Heneage Finch, 6th Earl of Aylesford


Heneage Finch, 6th Earl of Aylesford DL, styled Lord Guernsey until 1859, was a British peer and politician.

Background

Born in Packington, Warwickshire, Aylesford was the son of Heneage Finch, 5th Earl of Aylesford and his wife Lady Augusta Sophia, fourth daughter of George Greville, 2nd Earl of Warwick.

Cricket

A keen amateur cricketer, Aylesford played first-class cricket mostly for the Marylebone Cricket Club, but also played first-class cricket for other teams. He made 21 first-class appearances, scoring 200 runs at an average of 7.14, with a high score of 28 not out.

Political career

Finch became a major of the Warwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry in 1848 and represented the county as Deputy Lieutenant from 1852. He entered the British House of Commons in 1849, sitting for Warwickshire South until 1857. Two years later, he succeeded his father in the earldom and took his seat in the House of Lords.

Family

Lord Aylesford married Jane Wightwick Knightley, only daughter and heiress of John Wightwick Knightley of Offchurch Bury in Warwickshire, in 1846. They had two sons and one daughter. He died in London in January 1871, aged 46, and was succeeded in the earldom by his eldest son, Heneage. The Countess of Aylesford died in October 1911.