Edmund Wylde facts for kids

Monument to Edmund Wylde's father, Sir Edmund Wylde. He died when Edmund was young. The monument shows Sir Edmund and his sons, Edmund and Walter, kneeling. It's in the church of St Mary the Virgin, Kempsey. Some damage to the statue's nose is said to have happened during a battle in 1646.

Edmund Wylde (sometimes spelled Wilde) was an important English politician and a supporter of science. He lived from 1618 to 1695. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group of top scientists. From 1646 to 1653, he served in the House of Commons, which is a part of the English Parliament where laws are made.

Who Was Edmund Wylde?

Edmund Wylde was born on October 10, 1618. His father was Sir Edmund Wylde from Kempsey, and his mother was Dorothy Clarke. His family was well-known in Worcestershire.

Early Life and Education

When he was 15, Edmund Wylde began studying at Christ Church, Oxford University on November 29, 1635. After his university studies, he went on to become a lawyer. He joined the Inner Temple in 1644, which is one of the places in London where lawyers are trained.

A Career in Politics

In 1646, Edmund Wylde was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Droitwich. This meant he represented the people of Droitwich in the Long Parliament, a very long session of the English Parliament. His role was to help make decisions and laws for the country. In 1650, he also became a commissioner for the Navy, which meant he helped manage and organize the country's naval forces.

A Friend of Science

Edmund Wylde was known for supporting clever and talented people. He was a close friend of William Petty, who was a famous scientist and economist. On May 20, 1663, Edmund Wylde became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very respected group of scientists who work to improve knowledge.

Wylde once said he knew a special way to make steel softer without using fire. However, he never showed anyone how to do it. He kept his method a secret, which was common for inventors at the time.

Later Life and Legacy

Edmund Wylde never married and did not have any children. He passed away in 1695 at his home in Glazeley, Shropshire, when he was 77 years old. He was buried in the church at Glazeley on January 7, 1695/1696.

In his will, Edmund Wylde left his properties to his relative, Robert Wylde. These properties included land in London and several manors in different parts of England, like Essex, Norfolk, and Worcestershire. He also left some salt-making places in Droitwich. His will also made sure that a close companion, Mrs. Jane Smith, was well taken care of. She received money, his personal belongings like gold, silver, pictures, and his large library of books. She also got to live in his house in London.