Henry Vaughan Brooke

Colonel Henry Vaughan Brooke (1743 – 27 November 1807)^[1] was an Irish politician.

Brooke originated from a family with roots in County Fermanagh as well as County Donegal and was the son of Basil Brooke.^[2] His mother was Jane, daughter of Henry Wrey.^[2] He was educated at Trinity College Dublin until 1761^[3] and when his father died seven years later, he inherited the latter's estates.^[4] Brooke was unmarried and following his death was succeeded by his nephew Thomas Grove, who thereupon assumed his uncle's surname.^[5]

Brooke entered the Irish House of Commons in 1776, having been elected for Donegal Borough.^[1] In 1783, he stood successfully for both County Donegal as well as Augher, choosing to sit for the former constituency.^[1] He represented it until the Act of Union 1801 and then gained a seat in the British House of Commons for the new established constituency Donegal until 1802.^[4] By support of his friend Henry Conyngham, 1st Marquess Conyngham, Brooke was returned for Donegal again in 1806, however died only a year later.^[4] He was nominated High Sheriff of Donegal in 1786 and became colonel of the county's militia in 1798.^[4]

Coat of arms of Henry Vaughan Brooke

Notes Granted posthumously to Brooke and his descendants by Sir Chicester Fortescue, Ulster King of Arms, on 26 February 1808, on petition by Thomas Grove.[6] Crest A badger passant Proper. Escutcheon Or a cross engrailed per pale Gules and Sable. Motto Gloria Finis

• Hansard 1803–2005: contributions in Parliament by Henry Vaughan Brooke