Awnsham Churchill facts for kids

Awnsham Churchill (born 1658, died 1728) was an important English bookseller. He also became a politician who supported the Whig party. He served in the English and British House of Commons (like today's Parliament) from 1705 to 1710. His main business, "the Black Swan," was in Paternoster Row, London.

Early Life and Becoming a Bookseller

Awnsham Churchill was born in 1658. His father was William Churchill from Dorchester, Dorset. Awnsham had two brothers, Joshua and William, who also became Members of Parliament (MPs).

Awnsham learned the bookselling trade by becoming an apprentice to George Sawbridge. In 1681, he became a "Freeman" of the Stationers' Company. This was a special group for people involved in printing and books. After this, he started a business with his brother, John. They were booksellers and stationers (people who sold paper and writing supplies). Their shop was called "the Black Swan" and was located in Paternoster Row, London.

Even early on, Awnsham showed an interest in public matters. In 1680, he signed a petition asking the king to bring back Parliament. In 1682, he published a sermon by Samuel Bold that spoke out against unfair treatment of people.

A Leading Bookseller

In the mid-1680s, Awnsham and his brother John were involved in opposing King James II of England. They even visited Amsterdam and met with people who supported Monmouth's Rebellion. This rebellion was an attempt to remove King James II from power.

In 1687, Awnsham was arrested. This happened because he printed a document called Letter by Gaspar Fagel. This letter explained the views of the Prince of Orange on religious toleration.

Later, when the Prince of Orange became King William III in 1689, Churchill became his official stationer. He was a very successful bookseller and made a lot of money. With his wealth, he bought land. In 1704, he bought the manor of Higher Henbury in Dorset. In 1723, he bought another area called West Ringstead.

Political Career

Awnsham Churchill became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Dorchester in 1705. He was a member of the Whig party. The Whigs were a political group that supported Parliament's power and religious freedom.

He was distantly related to another MP from Dorchester, John Churchill. He also had a distant connection to the powerful Duke of Marlborough. However, Awnsham was closer to the Duke's brother, George Churchill.

In 1708, Awnsham was re-elected as a Whig MP without anyone running against him. He didn't speak much in Parliament. However, he voted for important laws. In 1709, he voted to allow people from Palatine (a region in Germany) to become British citizens. In 1710, he voted to impeach (accuse of wrongdoing) a clergyman named Sacheverell.

These votes upset some people in Dorchester, especially those who strongly supported the Church of England. In 1710, they publicly criticized "republican principles" and "anti-monarchical notions." They said they wanted MPs who were very loyal to the king. Because of this, Churchill lost the election in 1710. He also lost again in 1713 and did not try to become an MP after that.

Working with John Locke

Awnsham Churchill met the famous philosopher John Locke in Rotterdam. They became good friends and stayed in touch for many years. Churchill became Locke's publisher, meaning he printed and sold Locke's books.

Some of Locke's most important works were published by Churchill in 1689. These included Two Treatises of Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration. Churchill also helped Locke manage his money and business affairs. When Locke was dying in 1704, Churchill was a trustee for money Locke left to Francis Cudworth Masham, the son of Damaris Cudworth Masham.

Death and Legacy

Awnsham Churchill never married. He passed away on April 24, 1728. His brother, John, inherited his property. The two brothers had built up a large library at Henbury, which was a valuable collection of books.