Adam Baynes facts for kids

Adam Baynes (born 1622, died 1671) was an important figure in English history. He was a soldier who fought for the Parliament during the English Civil War. Later, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Leeds. This made him the very first MP for that city! He also served as an MP for Appleby. Adam Baynes was supported by a powerful general named John Lambert. This helped his career in Parliament. But when the King's supporters (the Royalists) came back to power, it caused problems for him.

Life and Career

Early Life and Family

Adam Baynes was born in 1622 in Leeds, England. His family had lived in the Knostrop area of Leeds for a long time. His parents were Robert Baynes and Joan Brown.

Joining the Army

During the First English Civil War, Adam Baynes joined the Parliament's army. These soldiers were sometimes called Roundheads. He first served as a captain in the infantry (foot soldiers). Later, he led his own group of cavalry (soldiers on horseback). He fought in important battles like Adwalton Moor and Marston Moor.

After these battles, he became an officer under General John Lambert. Lambert was in charge of the northern army from 1647. Baynes moved to London to work as a financial agent for Lambert's group. He helped buy lands and manage money for other officers. In 1650, he bought the Holdenby House estate for himself.

Political Career

In July 1650, Adam Baynes married Martha Dawson. They had sixteen children together, and ten of them lived longer than Adam.

General Lambert's support helped Baynes get elected to Parliament. He became an MP for Leeds in 1654. This was for the First Protectorate Parliament. He was elected again two years later for the Second Protectorate Parliament. People described him as an "army agent" who had influence in London. He was also known to be friendly towards Quakers, a religious group.

When Oliver Cromwell removed General Lambert from his position, Baynes also left his role. It's not clear if he was removed or if he chose to resign. In 1659, Leeds did not have a seat in Parliament. So, Baynes was elected as an MP for Appleby instead.

Baynes continued to support Lambert in Parliament. He disagreed with the idea of making Richard Cromwell the next Lord Protector (leader of England).

Later Years

In 1659, the government called The Protectorate ended. This allowed Baynes to return to the army. However, a year later, the Convention Parliament was formed. This Parliament supported the King (the Royalists). They arrested Adam Baynes. He had to give up some of the lands he had bought from the Crown. But he was able to keep most of his Holdenby estate. He also received a job as a "crown receiver for the manor of Leeds." This meant he collected money for the King in Leeds.

In the mid-1660s, he faced some money problems. In 1666, he was sent to the Tower of London. He was accused of disloyalty to the government. Adam Baynes passed away around January 5, 1671. He left houses, coal mines, and a "considerable colliery" (coal mining business) to his family.