Anthony Morgan (politician) facts for kids

Sir Anthony Morgan (1621–1668) was an important English politician and soldier. He lived during a very turbulent time in England, the English Civil War. This was a big fight between the King and Parliament. Anthony Morgan first fought for the King, who were called Royalists. But later, he switched sides and joined the Parliament's army. He became a high-ranking officer and served in Ireland. He was also a Member of Parliament (MP) and was even knighted twice, once by Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector, and again by King Charles II. He was also one of the first members of a famous science group called the Royal Society.

Sir Anthony Morgan: A Life of Change

Early Life and the English Civil War

Anthony Morgan was born in 1621. His father was also named Anthony Morgan, a respected church leader. Anthony went to Oxford University when he was young. He studied at Magdalen Hall and Magdalen College.

When the First English Civil War began, Anthony first joined the King's side. He became a captain for the Royalists. However, he didn't want to lose his property because of the war. So, in 1645, he decided to switch sides. He told the Parliament that he could help them take control of some areas.

He did a very good job helping Parliament. By 1646, he was so successful that he was given a command in Parliament's army. He was also allowed to keep his property.

A Soldier and Politician

Anthony Morgan was a smart and educated man. He soon became good friends with Sir Thomas Fairfax, a very important general for Parliament. Fairfax helped Morgan get a special medical degree from Oxford in 1647.

Fairfax also strongly suggested that Morgan serve in Ireland. Morgan became a captain in Ireton's cavalry regiment around 1649. Cavalry are soldiers who fight on horseback.

By 1652, Anthony Morgan had become a major. Parliament allowed him to continue serving the country, even though he had once fought against them.

Serving the Commonwealth

Anthony Morgan became a Member of Parliament (MP) during the time when Oliver Cromwell was in charge. Cromwell was called the Lord Protector. Morgan represented areas in Ireland like Kildare and Wicklow in 1654 and 1656. In 1659, he represented Meath and Louth.

He became a favorite of Henry Cromwell, Oliver Cromwell's son, who was in charge of Ireland. In 1656, Anthony Morgan was sent to tell the Lord Protector about the situation in Ireland. For this, he was knighted by Oliver Cromwell.

Life After the Restoration

After Oliver Cromwell died, King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660. This event is called the Restoration. King Charles II also knighted Anthony Morgan in 1660.

Sir Anthony Morgan was then made a commissioner for English soldiers helping the French army.

A Member of the Royal Society

In 1663, when the Royal Society was first created, Sir Anthony Morgan was chosen as one of its original members. The Royal Society is a famous group that promotes science. He often served on their council.

A famous diarist named Samuel Pepys met Sir Anthony Morgan in 1668. Pepys thought he was a "very wise man."

Sir Anthony Morgan died in France sometime between September and November 1668. He had some disagreements with his wife, Elizabeth, because she was a strong supporter of Parliament, and he had become loyal to the King.