Daniel Watson facts for kids

Daniel Watson (born around 1617, died June 1683) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is part of the English Parliament. He lived during an important time in English history, including the English Civil War.

Who Was Daniel Watson?

Daniel Watson was born in Burton upon Trent, a town in England. His father, Henry Watson, was a tanner, which means he worked with animal hides to make leather. Daniel grew up to become a lawyer.

Early Life and Career

Watson was an important figure in Burton upon Trent during the English Civil War. This war was a big conflict in England between those who supported the King (called Royalists) and those who supported Parliament (called Parliamentarians). Daniel Watson was on the side of Parliament.

He was a captain of dragoons, which were soldiers who rode horses but fought on foot. They were part of the cavalry from Derbyshire, a county in England.

Life in Burton upon Trent

By 1649, Daniel Watson was living in Burton upon Trent. He was made a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for the county. A J.P. is a local official who helps keep law and order. He also bought a large house called Nether Hall, where he likely lived from at least 1656. In 1666, Nether Hall was one of the biggest houses in Burton, showing Daniel Watson's importance in the town.

Daniel Watson's Political Career

Daniel Watson became a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he was elected to represent a specific area in the English Parliament.

Serving in Parliament

In 1659, Daniel Watson was elected as an MP for Lichfield. He served in the Third Protectorate Parliament. This was a special Parliament that met during a time when England was not ruled by a king, but by Oliver Cromwell and his son.

The next year, in 1660, he was elected again as an MP for Lichfield in the Convention Parliament. This Parliament was important because it helped bring the King back to power after the Civil War. However, Daniel Watson's time in this Parliament was short. He was removed from his seat on June 27, 1660, after another person, Thomas Minors, successfully argued that he should have the seat instead.

Other Roles

Even after leaving Parliament, Daniel Watson continued to hold important positions. From 1660, he served as the recorder of Newcastle-under-Lyme. A recorder was a legal officer who advised the town's leaders and sometimes acted as a judge.