Heneage Finch, 7th Earl of Aylesford


The Earl of Aylesford
PredecessorHeneage Finch, 6th Earl of Aylesford
SuccessorCharles Wightwick Finch, 8th Earl of Aylesford
Born21 February 1849 (1849-02-21)
St George Hanover Square, England
Died13 January 1885(1885-01-13) (aged 35)
Big Spring, Texas, United States
BuriedSt James' Church, Great Packington
Spouse(s)Edith Peers Williams
Issue
  • Lady Hilda Johannah Gwendolen Murray
  • Lady Alexandra Louise Minna Emmet
FatherHeneage Finch, 6th Earl of Aylesford
MotherJane Wightwick Knightley
Occupation
  • Member of the House of Lords
  • Stud owner and horse racing sponsor
  • Cattle rancher

Heneage Finch, 7th Earl of Aylesford (21 February 1849 – 13 January 1885), styled The Honourable from birth until 1859, then Lord Guernsey until 1871, and also known as Joseph Heneage Finch, was a British aristocrat and friend of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). Finch enjoyed many outdoor pursuits, and in his social circle was nicknamed "Sporting Joe."

The Aylesford Scandal, a British Society scandal of 1876, as well as financial difficulties, led to Finch leaving the United Kingdom to become a cattle rancher in Big Spring, Texas.