Henry Finch

Henry Finch (approximately 1694 – 26 April 1761) was a British academic and politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Malton from 1724 until his death in 1761. He was the son of Daniel Finch, 2nd Earl of Nottingham and 7th Earl of Winchilsea, and his second wife, Anne Hatton, daughter of Christopher Hatton, 1st Viscount Hatton. Finch was the fourth surviving son in his family.

He received his early education at Eton College in 1707. Subsequently, he was admitted to Christ's College, Cambridge on 19 August 1712, at the age of 17. In 1713, his father nominated him as a fellow of Christ's College on the Finch and Baines foundation, and he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in 1714.

In the political arena, Finch ran unsuccessfully as a Whig candidate in the Cambridge University by-election on 19 December 1720. By 1724, after more than ten years at Cambridge, discussions concerning his future took place between his father and his brother, Lord Finch. That same year, Finch was elected as Member of Parliament for Malton at a by-election held on 27 November 1724, with the support of his brother-in-law, Thomas Watson Wentworth.

In 1726, Finch faced losing his college fellowship due to non-residence and holding more property than was permitted for a fellow. However, he was subsequently reinstated and maintained his fellowship until 1749. He was returned unopposed as MP for Malton during the general elections of 1727, 1734, and 1741.

In 1729, Finch was appointed receiver-general of the revenues of Minorca, a position he held for some time, including residing there. When in Parliament, he consistently voted with the Government in all recorded divisions.

In 1743, Finch resigned from the Minorca post and was appointed surveyor of works, a position recommended by Pelham, surpassing his brother Edward for the appointment. He was returned again as MP for Malton in the 1747 general election and was classified as an Old Whig. He continued to serve as MP following the 1754 general election, in which he was returned unopposed.

By December 1760, Finch's position as surveyor general of works was designated for someone else, and he received a secret service pension of £900 per annum. He was returned once more as MP for Malton in 1761. Henry Finch died unmarried on 26 April 1761. His brothers, Edward, John, and William Finch, also served as Members of Parliament.