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Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland

1788 – 1864

British Army general

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About Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland

Lived 1788 – 1864 (aged 75). Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland was a British politician.

General Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland (6 August 1788 – 18 January 1864), was a British peer, politician and army officer.

Born The Honourable Henry Vane, he was the eldest son of William Vane, Viscount Barnard, and his first wife, Katherine, the second daughter of Harry Powlett, 6th Duke of Bolton. In 1792 his father inherited the earldom of Darlington from his father, whereupon Vane became Viscount Barnard.

In 1812 Barnard became Member of Parliament for County Durham, a seat he held until 1815. He was then MP for Winchelsea from 1816 to 1818, Tregony from 1818 to 1826, Totnes from 1826 to 1830, Saltash from 1830 to 1831 and finally for South Shropshire from 1832 to 1842. In 1827, Barnard's father was promoted in the Peerage as Marquess of Cleveland in 1827 and further as Duke of Cleveland in 1833, whereupon Barnard became Earl of Darlington after the first promotion.

In 1815 Darlington had joined the British Army, eventually rising through the ranks as a lieutenant-colonel in the 75th Regiment of Foot in 1824, major-general in 1851, lieutenant-general in 1857 and finally a general in 1863. In 1842, he inherited his father's titles and was also appointed a Knight of the Garter that year.

On 18 November 1809 at St George's, Hanover Square, Cleveland had married Lady Sophia Poulett (1785–1859), the eldest daughter of John Poulett, 4th Earl Poulett. He died childless in 1864 and his titles passed to his brother, William.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Education
Christ Church
Positions held
Member of the 14th Parliament of the United Kingdom, Member of the 13th Parliament of the United Kingdom, Member of the 12th Parliament of the United Kingdom, Member of the 11th Parliament of the United Kingdom
Awards
Knight of the Garter
Also known as
Henry Vane

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland?

British Army general (1788-1864)

When was Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland born?

Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland was born on 6 August 1788.

When did Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland die?

Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland died on 18 January 1864 in Raby Castle.

What was Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland's occupation?

Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland was a politician.

What nationality was Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland?

Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland

· Wikidata: Q5609972

· DBpedia: Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland. https://biography.guide/henry-vane-2nd-duke-of-cleveland/

MLA: "Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/henry-vane-2nd-duke-of-cleveland/.

Chicago: "Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/henry-vane-2nd-duke-of-cleveland/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-26 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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