Charles Egerton (MP for Brackley) facts for kids

Arms of the Egerton family.

Charles Egerton (born March 12, 1654 – died December 11, 1717) was an important English politician. He lived in a place called Marchington in Staffordshire. He was a member of the Whig political group and served in the English and British Parliaments between 1695 and 1711.

Early Life and Family

Charles Egerton was the fourth son of John Egerton, 2nd Earl of Bridgwater. His mother was Lady Elizabeth Cavendish. Her father was William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle, a very important person at the time.

Charles studied law. He joined the Middle Temple in 1673 and Lincoln's Inn in 1678. These were places where people learned to become lawyers. His brother, Sir William Egerton, was also a lawyer.

In 1691, Charles Egerton married Elizabeth Murray. She was the daughter of Henry Murray, who worked for King Charles I. Elizabeth was also a widow. Charles and Elizabeth had one son.

Life as a Member of Parliament

Charles Egerton became a Member of Parliament (MP) for a town called Brackley in 1695. An MP is someone who represents people in their area in the country's government. He was elected because his family was very influential there.

Important Votes in Parliament

As an MP, Charles Egerton took part in many important decisions. In 1695, he voted on how much money certain coins were worth. In 1696, he voted on a big decision about a person named Sir John Fenwick.

Re-election and Political Views

Charles Egerton was elected to Parliament many times. He won without anyone running against him in 1698, and twice in 1701, and again in 1702. He had to compete in elections in 1701 (the second time), 1705, and 1710, but he still won.

He usually supported the government's ideas. For example, in 1705, he voted for the person the government wanted to be the Speaker of Parliament. In 1706, he supported a law about who would rule if the King or Queen was too young.

By 1708, he was known as a Whig MP. The Whigs were one of the main political groups in England at the time. He also supported a plan to allow people from a region called Palatine to become citizens in England.

Losing His Seat

In 1710, Charles Egerton was elected again after a tough contest. However, he lost his seat in Parliament in 1711. This happened after someone complained about the election results, and a decision was made against him. The new MP for Brackley was John Burgh.

Later Life and Challenges

Charles Egerton inherited some land and property in 1703 from Aubrey de Vere, 20th Earl of Oxford. However, he later faced money problems.

In 1712, he had to get a special law passed by Parliament. This law allowed him to sell his family's land in Marchington, Staffordshire. He needed to sell it to pay off his debts.

After losing his seat in Parliament, Charles Egerton did not try to become an MP again. He passed away on December 11, 1717, when he was 63 years old.