Christopher Hilliard facts for kids

Sir Christopher Hilliard (born 1567 – died November 1634) was an important English landowner and politician. He served in the English Parliament many times between 1589 and 1629.

Early Life and Family

Christopher Hilliard was born in 1567. He was the oldest son of Richard Hilliard and Jane Thweng. His family lived in Routh, Yorkshire.

He went to St John's College, Cambridge in 1584 to study. Later, in 1586, he joined Inner Temple, which was a place where people learned to become lawyers.

In 1598, Christopher Hilliard married Elizabeth Welby. They had a large family with five sons and six daughters. Two of their sons became well-known: Henry Hildyard became a politician, and Sir Robert Hildyard became the first Baronet of Patrington.

Political Career

Sir Christopher Hilliard had a long career in politics. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the town of Hedon in 1589. He was re-elected for Hedon several times: in 1593, 1597, and 1601.

By 1601, he was also a Justice of the Peace for the East Riding of Yorkshire. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area.

In 1602, he inherited land and wealth from both his father and his uncle, Christopher Hilliard. The next year, in 1603, he was knighted, which means he was given the title "Sir" by the King.

From 1603 until his death in 1634, he was a member of the Council in the North. This council helped the King govern the northern parts of England. He also served as High Sheriff of Yorkshire from 1612 to 1613. The High Sheriff was a very important local official.

He continued his work in Parliament. In 1621, he was elected MP for Beverley. He then returned to represent Hedon in 1624. He was re-elected for Hedon in 1625, 1626, and 1628. He served until 1629, when King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for eleven years.

Later Life

Sir Christopher Hilliard passed away in November 1634, when he was about 66 years old. He was buried in Winestead on November 23, 1634.