Henry Hood, 2nd Viscount Hood

[1][2] An early military career began in 1769, when, named as Henry Hood, Gent., he entered the 64th Foot by purchase, as ensign.

It was caused by the elevation of Sir Samuel Hood's naval colleague George Rodney to the House of Lords.

Lord Hood became Governor of Greenwich Hospital, a position in the gift of the King, which marked the end of his naval career.

He did not stand for the Westminster seat in the 1796 British general election, and went to the House of Lords that year, with a further title in the Peerage of Great Britain (a viscountcy).

There she built up a social group that included Lord Hood, as well as Thomas Manby, Sidney Smith, Amelius Beauclerk and George Canning.

The Princess had made a swift carriage journey there, and went out for long expeditions: "Perhaps you would like to know what sort of a place this is; it's a very comfortable Gentleman's House, but very retired.

Hood is fortunately in the Neighbourhood, for, as the Princess has not any male attendant, 'tis fortunate there should be a Gentleman who will take the trouble of attending our flying excursions ...[20]The following year, Lisle's deposition to the "Delicate Investigation" mentioned excursions of the Princess with Henry Hood and his servant alone, in a whisky, of several hours duration.

Hood moved away from Catherington House, where he had spent much of his time, while making a deal that secured him the freehold of most of the land there.

He arrived hurriedly through Old Palace Yard, as they attempted to gain access to Westminster Abbey by an entrance adjacent to Poet's Corner.