Henry Newton (diplomat)

Henry Newton (died 1715) was an English diplomat and politician, best known for his service as Envoy Extraordinary to the Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1689 to 1703, and subsequently as Envoy Extraordinary to the Republic of Genoa from 1703 to 1704.

Newton was educated at Christ Church, Oxford, matriculating in 1675 and graduating B.A. in 1679. He later became a Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.). He gained prominence through his diplomatic postings in Italy during a crucial period in European politics. His extended stay in Florence allowed him to observe and report on the intricacies of Tuscan politics and the wider Italian peninsula.

While in Tuscany, Newton was responsible for representing English interests at the Florentine court and fostering diplomatic relations. His dispatches to London provide valuable insights into the political climate, social customs, and economic conditions of Tuscany at the turn of the 18th century. He was also involved in negotiations related to trade and maritime affairs.

Following his service in Florence, Newton was transferred to Genoa, another strategically important Italian city-state. He served as Envoy Extraordinary there for a shorter period before returning to England.

After his diplomatic career, Newton entered Parliament, representing various constituencies. He sat for Lymington in 1705-1708, for Richmond in 1710-1713 and for Calne between 1713 and 1715.

Henry Newton married twice. First to Penelope, daughter of Sir Bevil Granville. Second, to Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Thomas Gery. He had no surviving children.

He died in 1715. His diplomatic papers and correspondence remain a valuable resource for historians studying Anglo-Italian relations during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.