Abraham Burrell facts for kids

Abraham Burrell (1589–1657) was an English politician who lived a long time ago. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is an important part of the English Parliament. He served there from 1645 to 1653. Abraham Burrell supported the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War, a big conflict in England's history.

Early Life and Property

Abraham Burrell was born in London in 1589. His father, Richard Burrell, owned many buildings in London. Abraham and his brothers helped manage these properties. In 1622, Abraham bought a large estate called the manor of Shapwick, Somerset.

Standing Up to the King

Abraham Burrell showed early on that he didn't always agree with the King. In 1639, he refused to help pay for the Bishops War. This was a war against the Scots, and the King wanted money from his people to fund it. Burrell's refusal showed his independent spirit.

Changes in Land Ownership

In 1640, he sold Shapwick Manor to Sir Samuel Rolle, Hugh Fortescue, and Henry Rolle. The very next year, in 1641, he bought another important property. This new property included a manor, a farm, and a watermill in Medloe Highfield, Huntingdonshire.

Political Career

In September 1645, Abraham Burrell was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Huntingdon. This happened during the Long Parliament, a very important period in English history. The previous MP had become a peer, which meant he moved to the House of Lords.

A Unique Agreement

Burrell did something unusual for his time. He made a special agreement with the people who elected him. He promised that he would not ask for any payment from them for his work as an MP. This showed he was dedicated to serving without personal gain.

Role in Parliament

He was an active member of Parliament. He served on a special committee for Huntingdonshire. In 1649, he was also made a commissioner of the High Court of Justice. This court was set up to try important cases. However, Abraham Burrell chose not to take part in the trial of King Charles I.

Later Life and Legacy

Abraham Burrell passed away in 1657. A memorial was put up in his honor in the church of St James, in a place called Little Paxton.

Family Life

In 1617, Abraham Burrell married Elizabeth Butts. She was the daughter of Richard Butts from Ham Court, Chertsey. They had four daughters together. One of their daughters, also named Elizabeth, married Sir Drayner Massingberd. He was a colonel who also supported the Parliament during the Civil War.