Anthony Irby (died 1682) facts for kids

Sir Anthony Irby (born around 1605 – died January 2, 1682) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like the main law-making body in England, at different times between 1628 and 1682.

Sir Anthony Irby: A Life in Politics

Sir Anthony Irby was the oldest son of another Sir Anthony Irby and his wife, Elizabeth Peyton. He was born before January 17, 1605. He went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 1620 to study. In 1624, he was given the title of 'Sir', becoming a knight.

Early Life and First Steps

In 1628, Sir Anthony Irby was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for a town called Boston. He served in Parliament until 1629. At that time, King Charles I decided to rule the country without Parliament for eleven years, which was known as the "Personal Rule." This meant Parliament couldn't meet or make laws.

In 1637, Sir Anthony Irby also held an important local job called High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. A High Sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer for a county.

Serving in Parliament

When Parliament was called back, Sir Anthony Irby was elected as an MP for Boston again in April 1640. This was for a short meeting of Parliament known as the Short Parliament.

The Long Parliament and Beyond

Later that same year, in November 1640, he was elected again for the Long Parliament. This Parliament lasted for many years. He stayed an MP until 1648. At that time, some members were removed from Parliament in an event called Pride's Purge.

Later Years in Parliament

Sir Anthony Irby continued his political career. He was elected as an MP for Boston again in 1656 for the Second Protectorate Parliament. He was also elected in 1659 for the Third Protectorate Parliament.

After that, he was re-elected for Boston in April 1660 for the Convention Parliament. He was elected again in 1661 for the Cavalier Parliament. His time in Parliament continued, as he was elected once more in 1679 for the Second Exclusion Parliament and again in 1681.

Family and Personal Life

Sir Anthony Irby was married four times. His first wife was Frances Wray, whom he married in 1623. They had one daughter named Elizabeth. Elizabeth later married a man named Hon. George Montagu.

After Frances passed away, he married Margaret Smyth. She died in 1631. Then he married Margaret Barkham, who passed away in 1640. He did not have any children who survived from his second and third marriages.

Finally, on August 19, 1641, he married Catharine Paget. With Catharine, he had one son and five daughters.