Henry Dutton Colt ca.1646-1731

Sir Henry Dutton COLT, 1st baronet ca.1646-1731

Colt's bookplate (British Museum Franks Collection *319)

Biographical Note

Fourth son of George Colt of Colt Hall, Cavendish, Suffolk and Elizabeth Dutton. He pursued a military career, holding various ranks during the 1670s and 80s, though the History of Parliament describes this as "not particularly successful". He became MP for Newport, Isle of Wight 1695-98, and for Westminster 1701-08; he was an active parliamentarian, though his motivation is described by the HoP very much in mercenary and personal political terms. He had a reputation as a gambler, "an aging rakehell", and someone who was often in financial need. He was made a baronet in 1694.

Books

Colt used an engraved armorial bookplate (Franks *319); the extent and disposition of his library are not known. He had no children, and the baronetcy was inherited by a great-nephew.

Sources

• History of Parliament.
• Gambier Howe, E. R. J. Franks bequest: catalogue of British and American book plates bequeathed to the ... British Museum. London, 1903-4.