Anthony Stapley facts for kids

Anthony Stapley (born August 30, 1590 – buried January 31, 1655) was an important person during a very turbulent time in English history. He was one of the people who played a role in the trial and execution of King Charles I of England. This was a huge event that changed England forever.

Stapley served as a Member of Parliament (M.P.) for several areas. He represented New Shoreham from 1624 to 1625. Later, he was an M.P. for Lewes in 1628. He also represented Sussex in 1640 and again from 1653 to 1654.

During the English Civil War, he was a colonel in the army. He also served as the governor of Chichester from 1642 to 1645. He is known for signing the document that ordered the death of King Charles I. This made him one of the "regicides," meaning someone involved in the killing of a king. He was also a member of the Council of State from 1649 to 1653. In 1650, he became vice-admiral of Sussex.

Anthony Stapley's Life and Times

Early Life and Education

Anthony Stapley was born on August 30, 1590, in Framfield, Sussex. His father was also named Anthony Stapley. Around 1615, his family moved from Framfield to Patcham. Anthony Stapley likely studied at Christ's College, Cambridge. Around 1640, he gave £10 to help build new parts of the college.

His Time in Parliament

Stapley was elected to Parliament many times. He first represented New Shoreham in 1624 and 1625. Then, he represented Lewes in 1628. He even won his seat after another person, Sir George Rivers, was removed by a special request.

In March 1640, he was chosen to represent both Sussex county and Lewes. He decided to sit for Sussex. He was again chosen by Sussex on October 22, 1640, to be part of the Long Parliament. He continued to serve in Parliament in 1653 and 1654.

Role in the English Civil War

In January 1640, Anthony Stapley was a local judge. He was known for his Puritan beliefs. These beliefs sometimes caused problems with the traditional church. When the English Civil War began, he joined the Parliament's army. He became a colonel.

He was part of the siege of Chichester in December 1642. After the siege, he stayed on as governor of Chichester. He was in charge of the town and its soldiers. In September 1643, he took the Solemn League and Covenant. This was an agreement to support Parliament and the Puritan religion.

In 1644, he had a disagreement about where to house some soldiers. This issue was sent to a special committee in London. He was cleared of any blame. He continued as governor until 1645.

Trial of King Charles I

Anthony Stapley was one of the special judges who heard the case against King Charles I of England. The King was accused of treason. Stapley was present on January 27, 1649, when the King was sentenced. Two days later, on January 29, he signed the document that ordered King Charles I's execution.

After the King's death, England became a Commonwealth. Stapley was chosen to be a member of the first Council of State in February 1649. He was re-elected several times. He also joined the admiralty committee in 1649. In February 1650, he was named vice-admiral for Sussex.

Anthony Stapley died in early 1655. He was buried in Patcham on January 31. When the monarchy was restored in 1660, he was listed as one of the "regicides" who had died. This meant his property could be taken by the new government.

Family

Anthony Stapley married Ann Goring. She was the sister of George Goring, Lord Goring. Ann was buried in Patcham in November 1637. They had three sons and one daughter.

Stapley later married a second wife, "Dame Anne Clarke." She died before him in January 1654. His son, Sir John Stapley (1628–1701), did not share his father's political views. John and his brother Antony were involved in a plan to bring King Charles II of England back to the throne.