William Henry Ashe à Court-Holmes later Holmes-à Court, 2nd Baron Heytesbury (11 July 1809 – 21 April 1891) was a British peer and Conservative Member of Parliament.

Career

Born William Henry Ashe à Court, Lord Heytesbury was the only son of William à Court, 1st Baron Heytesbury, and Maria Rebecca Bouverie. In 1828 he went up to St John's College, Cambridge. He was elected to the House of Commons for the Isle of Wight in 1837, a seat he held until 1847. In 1860 he succeeded his father as second Baron Heytesbury and entered the House of Lords.

Family

Lord Heytesbury married Elizabeth Holmes, daughter of Sir Leonard Worsley-Holmes, 9th Baronet, in 1833. He assumed by royal licence the additional surname of Holmes after that of à Court at the same time. In 1860 he changed the family name, by royal licence, from à Court-Holmes to Holmes-à Court. A daughter, Emily, married Edward O'Brien, 14th Baron Inchiquin. Lord Heytesbury died in April 1891, aged 81, and was succeeded by his grandson, William Holmes-à Court.

Arms