Henry William Bentinck (15 November 1765–10 November 1820) was a Dutch-born military officer, planter and colonial administrator. He served as Governor of Saint Vincent (1802–1806), Essequibo Demerara (1806–1812), and Berbice (1814–1820).[1]
Bentinck was born in The Hague, Dutch Republic on 15 November 1765 as Hendrik Willem Bentinck.[2][3] He was a grandson of Willem Bentinck van Rhoon,[4]: 71 and a relative of William Cavendish-Bentinck, 3rd Duke of Portland.[4] Bentinck was educated in Great-Britain.[1]: 13 He served 12 years in the cavalry of William V, Prince of Orange.[2][1]: 13 On 18 January 1795, William V fled from the Netherlands, and went into exile in Great-Britain.[5] In the same year, Bentinck left for Great-Britain,[3] and started to work for the British colonial service.[1]: 13
In 1802, he was appointed Governor of Saint Vincent and served until 1806.[4]: 32 After returning from England, he was appointed Governor of Demerara and Essequibo on 10 May 1806.[6] The British government issued a rule overturning the Demerara Court of Policy's decision to proscribe slaves from holding meetings at night. Bentinck delayed implementing the rule, and was dismissed as a result.[4]: 32 In April 1812, he returned to England and was succeeded by Hugh Lyle Carmichael.[7] On 8 January 1814, Bentinck served as Governor of Berbice.[8] In Berbice, he was also owner of plantation "La Bonne Intention".[9] He was involved in cotton, but ran into financial difficulties.[4]: 14–15
On 10 November 1820, Bentinck died in Georgetown, at the age of 54.[10]
| Government offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Governor of Saint Vincent 1802–1806 |
Succeeded by Robert Paul (1st time)(acting) |
| Preceded by James Montgomery (acting) |
Lieutenant governor of Demerara and Essequibo 1806–1812 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by Grant (acting) |
Lieutenant Governor of Berbice 1814–1820 |
Succeeded by Major Alexander Thistlethwayte (acting) |
