Family and Education

bap. 12 Mar. 1655, 7th but 2nd surv. s. of Sir John Halsey, master in Chancery (d.1670), of Great Gaddesden by Judith, da. and coh. of James Necton of London. educ. Magdalen Coll. Oxf. 1671; L. Inn, entered 1671. m. 4 Feb. 1679, Anne (d. 7 June 1719), da. and h. of Thomas Henshaw of Kensington, Mdx., 10s. (1 d.v.p.) 4da. suc. bro. 1670.1

Offices Held

Commr. for assessment, Herts. 1679-80, 1689-90, St. Albans 1689; sheriff, Herts. 1679-80, capt. of militia ft. by 1680-?87, j.p. 1681-?Feb. 1688, Oct. 1688-?d., dep. lt. 1681-7, 1689-?d.; alderman, St. Albans 1685-?87.2

Biography

The Halseys were established in Hertfordshire in early Tudor times, and in 1545 were granted the rectory and advowson of Great Gaddesden, formerly belonging to Dartford Priory. Halsey’s father who was legal adviser to the 2nd Earl of Bridgwater played no known part in the Civil War. He was a j.p. during the Protectorate, but was removed after the Restoration, though he held other local office.3

A strong Anglican and a Tory, Halsey was elected for Hertfordshire with government backing in 1685, the first of the family to sit, but he was totally inactive in James II’s Parliament. He was doubtless opposed to the King’s religious policy as he was removed from the lieutenancy in 1687. He sat in nine successive Parliaments from 1695 onwards, voting as a Tory under William III and Anne, though he signed the Association in 1696. He died on 25 May 1715 and was buried at Great Gaddesden. His grandson sat for Hertfordshire from 1768 to 1784.4

Ref Volumes: 1660-1690

Authors: E. R. Edwards / Geoffrey Jaggar

Notes

• 1. Cussans, Herts. iii. pt. 1, p. 122; Westminster City Lib. St. Martin in the Fields par. reg.
• 2. CSP Dom. 1685, p. 73.
• 3. Letters and Pprs. Hen. VIII, xx. pt. 1, p. 213; Herts. RO, AH 1060.
• 4. Clutterbuck, Herts. i. 379, 381; VCH Herts. ii. 199; CSP Dom. 1685, p. 79; 1686-7, p. 314; 1687-9, p. 125.