Christopher Packe (politician) facts for kids
Sir Christopher Packe (born around 1593 – died 27 May 1682) was an English businessman and politician. He became the Lord Mayor of London in 1654. Born in Northamptonshire, he later moved to London. There, he joined important groups like the Worshipful Company of Drapers and the Company of Merchant Adventurers of London. In 1655, Packe was made a knight and became a commissioner for the navy. He was a strong supporter of Oliver Cromwell. In 1656, Packe suggested that Cromwell should become king, but Cromwell said no. After the king returned to power, Packe was not allowed to hold public jobs anymore. He passed away in 1682.
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Early Life and Business
Christopher Packe was born around 1593. His father was Thomas Packe from Kettering or Grafton, Northamptonshire. Christopher started working early, learning the wool trade from a man named John Kendrick. When Kendrick died, he left Packe some money.
Packe then started his own business in the wool trade. He became very successful and earned a lot of money. He was an important member of the Drapers' Company, which was a group for people in the cloth business. He even became the master of the company in 1648. In 1646, he was chosen to help manage lands that used to belong to bishops for the government.
Starting in Politics
Packe began his work in London's city government on 4 October 1647. He was chosen as an alderman for Cripplegate ward. Aldermen were like city council members. In 1649, he became one of the sheriffs for London and Middlesex. Sheriffs helped keep order and manage legal matters.
Because he was wealthy, smart, and supported the Parliament, he was given many public jobs.
Working for the Government
From 1649, Packe was one of the commissioners for customs. This meant he helped collect taxes on goods coming into the country. He was also a leading member of the Company of Merchant Adventurers, a group of traders. Because of this, he often advised the government on business issues.
He also helped manage money. In 1654, he was a treasurer for a fund to help Protestants in Piedmont. This money caused some problems later because it was held back for a few years. Eventually, the government decided the money should be paid out. Packe was also part of the city's local army, called the militia.
Becoming Lord Mayor
Christopher Packe became the Lord Mayor of London on 29 October 1654. This was a very important position. In March 1655, Oliver Cromwell, who was the leader of England, thanked Packe and the London militia for their good work.
Cromwell also made Packe a knight on 20 September 1655. This meant he was called "Sir Christopher Packe." He also became a commissioner for the navy, helping to manage England's ships.
The Humble Petition and Advice
In 1656, Packe was a representative for London in Cromwell's Parliament. On 23 February 1657, Packe brought forward an important proposal called the "Humble Petition and Advice." This document asked Oliver Cromwell to become king and bring back the House of Lords.
Even though Parliament agreed, Cromwell decided not to become king. Many people, especially in the army, did not want him to be king. Instead, a changed version of the petition was accepted. Cromwell remained "Lord Protector," could choose who would lead after him, and a second part of Parliament was created.
In 1658, Packe became a member of this new part of Parliament, called Cromwell's Other House.
Later Life and Family
After the king returned to power in 1660, Packe signed a paper saying he would be loyal to the king. However, he was still included in a list of people who were not allowed to hold public jobs anymore. So, he was removed from his position as alderman in August 1660.
Packe then spent the rest of his life at his home in Prestwold, Leicestershire. He also owned land in Huntingdonshire. He died on 27 May 1682, and was buried in Prestwold church. He was about 84 years old.
His Family
Sir Christopher Packe was married three times. He had two sons, Christopher and Simon, and three daughters, Anne, Mary, and Susanna, with his second wife, Anne.
Interestingly, Sir Christopher Packe is an ancestor of the famous writer Arthur Conan Doyle, who created Sherlock Holmes!
Images for kids
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A 1795 engraving of Packe by James Basire.
See also
- George Hussey Packe
- Sir Edward Packe
- Prestwold
- Prestwold Hall
