Andrew Newport facts for kids
Andrew Newport (born 1622 – died 1699) was an important English politician and supporter of the King. He was known as "The Honourable" from 1642. He was a member of the Tory party, which meant he supported the King and traditional ways.
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Early Life and Royal Support
Andrew Newport was born in 1622 and was the second son of Richard Newport, 1st Baron Newport, and his wife Rachel. He grew up in Shropshire, England. He went to school in Wroxeter and later studied at Christ Church, Oxford university.
Just like his father and older brother, Francis Newport, 1st Earl of Bradford, Andrew was a strong supporter of King Charles II of England. This was during a very difficult time in England called the English Civil War. Because he supported the King, he was arrested and put in prison twice. This happened after a royalist uprising in 1655 and again after another royalist effort in 1659.
After the King returned to power in 1660, a special award called the Order of the Royal Oak was planned for loyal supporters, and Andrew Newport was nominated. He also received land that was worth a lot of money each year. His main lands were near Llandrinio in Montgomeryshire.
Political and Military Roles
Andrew Newport had a busy career in public service.
Working for the King
In 1660, after King Charles II was back on the throne, Andrew Newport was called to serve at the royal court as an Esquire of the Body. This was a special role where he attended to the King.
From 1667 to 1681, he was in charge of the Great Wardrobe, which managed the King's clothes and other household items. After that, in 1681, he became a Commissioner of Customs, helping to collect taxes on goods entering and leaving the country. He held this job until 1685.
Serving in Parliament
Newport also served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the English House of Commons.
- He first represented Montgomeryshire from 1661 to 1679.
- Later, he represented Preston from 1685 to 1689.
- Finally, he represented Shrewsbury from 1689 to 1698.
Military and Local Duties
Besides his political roles, Newport also had military duties. From 1662 to 1673, he was a Captain in charge of a company of soldiers at the Portsmouth garrison.
He also held important local positions:
- He was the Custos Rotulorum of Montgomeryshire (a chief justice of the peace for the county) several times: from January to December 1679, from 1685 to 1687, and again from 1691 until his death.
- He served as a Justice of the Peace (JP) for his county.
- He was also a Commissioner for Assessment, helping to decide taxes in Salop and Montgomeryshire.
In 1695, Andrew Newport was mentioned in connection with a plot by a man named Sir John Fenwick. It was claimed that Newport's home was used for meetings by some people involved in the plot, but Newport was not in London at the time.
Later Life and Legacy
Andrew Newport passed away on September 11, 1699, at the age of 76. He died at Eyton-on-Severn, which was the home of his nephew, Lord Newport. He was buried at Wroxeter church nearby.
Andrew Newport never married and did not have any children. He left his lands and a large fortune of £40,000 to his younger nephew, Thomas Newport.
See Also
- List of MPs for Montgomeryshire
- List of MPs for Preston
- List of MPs for Shrewsbury
