Alexander Popham facts for kids
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Alexander Popham (1605 – 1669) was an English politician from Littlecote, Wiltshire. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years, serving in the House of Commons between 1640 and 1669. He was also a supporter of the famous philosopher John Locke.
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Early Life and Education
Alexander Popham was born in 1605 at Littlecote House in Wiltshire. His father was Sir Francis Popham. His grandfather was Sir John Popham, who was a very important judge.
Alexander went to Balliol College, Oxford for his education. He also studied law at the Middle Temple in 1622.
Political Career
Alexander Popham was an important person in Somerset. He was a Justice of the Peace, which means he helped keep law and order.
In April 1640, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bath. He was re-elected as MP for Bath in November 1640 for the Long Parliament.
The English Civil War
The Popham family were Presbyterians, a type of Christian faith. Alexander supported the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War. This was a big fight between the King and Parliament.
When the war started, Alexander became a colonel. He led a local army group called the Bath Trained Band. He used their weapons to create a full-time army for Parliament. Popham's soldiers fought in battles, like the one near Devizes. He also had soldiers protecting his home, Littlecote House.
After the War
Even though he was a Presbyterian, Alexander supported the army during the Second English Civil War. Because of this, he was not removed from Parliament in 1648. After King Charles I was executed and England became a republic (the Commonwealth), Alexander served on the Council of State.
In 1654, he was elected MP for Bath again. He was also elected MP for Wiltshire in 1656 and for Minehead in 1659. However, he did not fully support the new government led by Oliver Cromwell. He refused to take his seat in Cromwell's Other House.
The Monarchy Returns
In April 1660, Alexander was elected MP for Bath once more. When the monarchy was brought back (this is called the Restoration), he made peace with King Charles II. He even invited the King to a "costly dinner" at Littlecote House. He was re-elected MP for Bath in 1661.
Family Life
Alexander Popham inherited his family's estates from his father in 1644. His older brother, John, had passed away earlier.
Alexander married twice. His first wife was Dorothy Cole, who died in 1643. His second wife was Letitia Carre. She was the daughter of William Carre from Scotland. With Letitia, he had eight children. Six of them lived to be adults: three sons and three daughters.
- Sir Francis Popham (died 1674) of Littlecote. He married Helena Rogers and had children.
- One of his sons was Alexander Popham. He married Anne Montagu. Their daughter, Elizabeth, married twice.
- Another child was Letitia Popham (died 1738). She married Sir Edward Seymour, 5th Baronet. Her son, Edward Seymour, 8th Duke of Somerset, later became a Duke.
- Alexander Popham (died 1719). He married Jane French. He inherited the family estates from his nephew Alexander.
- George Popham (died 1687). He married Dulcibella Ford. His family line continued in Winchester and the Isle of Wight.
- Essex Popham. She married John Poulett, 3rd Baron Poulett in 1663 and had children.
- Letitia Popham (died 1714). She became the second wife of Sir Edward Seymour, 4th Baronet.
- Ann Popham (died 1684). She married William Ashe.
His Deaf Nephew
It's important not to confuse Alexander Popham with his nephew, also named Alexander Popham. This nephew was the son of Alexander's brother, Edward Popham. This younger Alexander was born deaf. He was taught to speak by two scientists, John Wallis and William Holder. He is known as one of the first recorded cases of a person born deaf learning to speak.
See Also
