Family and Education

b. c.1652, 1st s. of Richard Verney by 1st w. educ. Jesus, Camb. matric. 4 July 1668, aged 16; M. Temple 1670, called 1677. m. lic. 13 July 1683, Christian, da. and h. of John Breton of Norton, Northants., 2s. d.v.p.1

Offices Held

J.p. Leics. 1684-Feb. 1688, 1689-94, 1700-d., commr. for assessment 1689-90, dep. lt. 1689-96, 1700-d.2

Biography

‘A very worthy and virtuous young gentleman’, Verney qualified as a barrister; but in 1683 he became heir apparent to the Compton Verney estate. His father made over Allexton to him, and he married an heiress. Lord Ailesbury (Robert Bruce) recommended him to Lord Rutland (John Manners) as ‘fit in all respects’ to represent Leicestershire in 1685, and he was returned as a Tory, but left no trace on the records of James II’s Parliament. Although recommended for the lieutenancy by Rutland, he gave negative answers on the repeal of the Test Act and Penal Laws in 1688, and was removed from local office. He was expected to stand for re-election, but did not regain his seat until 1695. Thereafter he voted consistently with the Tories, though he reluctantly signed the Association in 1696. He died v.p. on 31 Oct. 1707, and was buried at Compton Verney. His nephew John was returned for Downton as a Tory in 1722.3

Ref Volumes: 1660-1690

Author: Eveline Cruickshanks

Notes

• 1. CP, xii. pt. 2, p. 694.
• 2. HMC Rutland, ii. 165.
• 3. Evelyn Diary, iv. 382; HMC Rutland, ii. 159; HMC Hastings, ii. 187.