Erasmus Henry, born 2 May 1669, was the third son of the poet John Dryden, and his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Berkshire.
He studied at Douay, entered the novitiate of the Dominicans in 1692, was ordained priest in 1694.
[2] From 1708, he resided at Canons Ashby, which in that year had passed by will to his cousin Edward, eldest son of his father's younger brother, Erasmus.
[citation needed] The 5th Baronet died later that same year and was buried at Canons Ashby on 4 December 1710.
[3] He was succeeded in the baronetcy by his uncle, Sir Erasmus Dryden, 6th Baronet.