John Harington: A Brief Look into the Life of the 2nd Baron Harington of Exton

 

• Early Life and Education

• Relationship with Prince Henry and Travels Abroad

• Political Career and Family Heritage

• The Tragic Early Death of Lord Harington

• Legacy and Influence

John Harington, the 2nd Baron Harington of Exton, was a notable figure in English history, despite his life being tragically short. Born in April 1592 at Combe Abbey near Coventry, Warwickshire, Harington s legacy is tied to both his aristocratic lineage and his friendships with influential figures of his time. This article delves into the life of this young nobleman, his political career, education, and the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.

Early Life and Education

John Harington was born into a prominent family, the surviving son of Sir John Harington, who would later be created the first Baron Harington of Exton in 1603. His mother, Anne Keilway, hailed from a respected family, and her father was Robert Keilway, the Surveyor of the Court of Wards and Liveries. Growing up in the lap of luxury, young John was well-positioned for a life of privilege.

In 1607, at the age of 15, Harington was admitted to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, a college founded by his father s aunt, Frances Sidney. His family s contributions to the institution were significant, and John followed in their footsteps by continuing the tradition of supporting the college. It was at Cambridge that he would begin his education, which would ultimately shape his future, preparing him for both his political career and his role in English society.

Relationship with Prince Henry and Travels Abroad

Harington s close relationship with Prince Henry, the eldest son of King James I, played a significant role in his life. Both men were educated together, and their friendship lasted throughout Prince Henry's life. Harington s bond with the prince grew even stronger after they were both made Knights of the Bath in 1604, a prestigious honor given to young men of noble birth. They shared similar intellectual and cultural interests, and Prince Henry took a particular interest in Harington s academic progress.

In 1607, Harington embarked on a foreign tour with John Tovey, a master at Guildford s free school. They visited several European countries, including the Low Countries, where Harington explored military fortifications, visited universities, and interacted with courts of three different princes. His travels took him to Italy in 1608, where he made a notable stop in Venice. Here, he was introduced to the Doge by the English ambassador, Henry Wotton, who referred to Harington as Prince Henry's "right eye." During his travels, Harington corresponded in both Latin and French with the prince, and these letters reflect their strong friendship.

After his time in Venice, Harington wrote to the prince, expressing his desire to spend the rest of his life in Prince Henry s company. However, in 1612, Prince Henry died unexpectedly, leaving Harington heartbroken and grieving the loss of his dear friend.

Political Career and Family Heritage

Upon returning to England, Harington briefly entered into politics, representing Coventry as a Member of Parliament for a short period in 1610-1611, when the incumbent John Rogerson fell ill. His brief political career, however, was overshadowed by his inherited responsibilities. Upon the death of his father in 1613, Harington inherited the title of Baron Harington of Exton and the position of Lord Lieutenant of Rutland. These roles would define much of his later life, though they also came with great financial burden.

Harington's inheritance of his father's estate was marred by significant debt, amounting to £40,000 according to his mother. In an attempt to secure his financial future and improve the family s fortunes, Harington sought a royal patent to mint lead farthings, a form of currency. Unfortunately, the farthings were unpopular, and the scheme failed. Despite his best efforts to secure a prosperous future, Harington's attempts to remedy the family s financial woes were unsuccessful.

The Tragic Early Death of Lord Harington

Despite his noble birth and significant potential, John Harington s life was cut tragically short. In August 1613, at just 21 years old, he succeeded to the title of Baron Harington of Exton. However, his attempts to manage the family s finances were ultimately futile. On 18 February 1614, just days before his death, Harington sold the lordship of Exton to Sir Baptist Hicks. In his will, Harington ensured that the remaining family estates were passed to his two sisters, Lucy, Countess of Bedford, and Frances, Lady Chichester. His debts were to be paid off first, but his untimely death on 27 February 1614 at Kew left little time for his plans to materialize. He was buried in Exton, marking the end of a promising life.

Legacy and Influence

While Harington's life was brief, his legacy has endured. His relationships with key figures of the time, particularly with Prince Henry, reflect the cultural and political dynamics of the early 17th century. Harington's brief political career, his attempts to manage his family s finances, and his early death are reminders of the challenges faced by young noblemen during this period. His lineage, which connects him to both the aristocracy and historical figures such as Kit Harington, the actor, continues to draw attention.

Harington's death marked the end of his immediate influence, but his story offers a poignant glimpse into the life of a young nobleman whose potential was never fully realized. In some ways, Harington represents the fragility of life during this period rich in privilege yet fraught with misfortune and disappointment.

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