Bussy Mansell (1623–1699) facts for kids
Bussy Mansell (born November 22, 1623 – died May 25, 1699) was a Welsh politician. He served in the English Parliament many times between 1653 and 1699. He was a strong supporter of the Parliament during the English Civil War, known as a Roundhead.
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Who Was Bussy Mansell?
Bussy Mansell was the son of Arthur Mansell of Briton Ferry. His mother was Jane Price. His grandfather was Sir Thomas Mansell, who was also a Member of Parliament. In 1645, Bussy Mansell had a good income and supported three local churches.
The Mansel family was very important in the Gower Peninsula area of Wales. Their main home was at Margam Abbey. Their family shield, called "canting arms," showed pictures that sounded like their name. For example, "maunches" (a type of sleeve) sounded like "Mansell."
Bussy Mansell's Career
Bussy Mansell played a big role in the English Civil War.
- In 1645, he became the Commander-in-Chief (the main leader) of the Parliament's army in Glamorgan.
- He was also the High Sheriff of Glamorgan that year, which meant he was the chief law enforcement officer for the county.
- He joined the High Court of Justice in 1651.
- From 1653, he was one of six members chosen by Oliver Cromwell to represent Wales in a special Parliament called the Barebone's Parliament.
- He was made a Justice of the Peace (a local judge) for Glamorgan in 1655.
- He also helped collect money for the government and checked if ministers and schoolteachers were doing a good job.
In 1659, he was put in charge of the local army, called the Militia Troop, in several Welsh counties. He had to lead them against enemies if needed. He helped stop a rebellion known as Sir George Booth's "Cheshire Rising." Mansell wrote that because of his small army, South Wales stayed peaceful and avoided an uprising.
Serving in Parliament
Bussy Mansell was elected to Parliament many times:
- In 1660, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Cardiff.
- He was High Sheriff of Glamorgan again in 1677.
- From 1679 to 1681, he was an MP for Glamorgan.
- He was elected MP for Cardiff again in 1681.
- From 1689 until his death in 1699, he was an MP for Glamorgan once more.
Family Life
Bussy Mansell married Catherine Perry. She was the daughter of a London official and the widow of Sir Edward Stradling.
Bussy and Catherine had children, including their eldest son:
- Thomas Mansel (1646–1684) was their first son. He is buried in Westminster Abbey in London. His tomb says he married Elizabeth Games and had one son, Thomas, and two daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. Thomas Mansel died when he was 38 years old.
Thomas Mansel's son, also named Thomas Mansel (who died in 1706), was also an MP for Cardiff. He was buried next to his father. He left his family's lands to his relative, Baron Mansell of Margam.
Later Life and Death
Bussy Mansell passed away at the age of 75. He was buried in Briton Ferry, where he had lived.
