Edward Alford (Royalist) facts for kids

Sir Edward Alford (around 1595–1653) was an important English landowner and politician. He served in the English Parliament, called the House of Commons, several times between 1628 and 1644. During the English Civil War, he supported the King's side, known as the Royalists.

Sir Edward Alford: A Royalist Politician

Sir Edward Alford was the son of Edward Alford and Judith Downing. He started his studies at Christ Church, Oxford when he was 17 years old. While his father was busy with his duties in London, Edward Alford lived in Sussex. He was very active in local affairs there.

Early Life and Family

In 1624, Edward Alford became the High Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex. This was an important job that involved keeping law and order in the area. He also helped with the local army, known as the militia. In 1627, the King asked him and others to use special powers to manage soldiers staying in Sussex. He also dealt with complaints about people not doing their duty to watch for danger.

In 1628, Edward Alford was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Steyning. An MP is a person chosen to represent a specific area in the House of Commons.

Serving the King

King Charles knighted Edward Alford in 1632. This meant he was given the title "Sir." In the same year, his father passed away. The family's lands, including Hamsey and Offington, went to Edward's older brother, John Alford. Edward also had land in Somerset. His name is mentioned in records from 1635 about a case of illegal hunting on his land.

A Time of War: The English Civil War

In April 1640, Alford was elected MP for Tewkesbury in a short Parliament. He was re-elected for Tewkesbury in November 1640 for the Long Parliament. He was also elected for Arundel. He chose to represent Arundel.

During the English Civil War, Sir Edward Alford supported King Charles. Because he sided with the King, he was removed from Parliament in 1644. After the war, when the King's side lost, Sir Edward faced serious penalties. He had just inherited the Offington estates after his brother John died. He was ordered to pay a very large fine of £1,503 for Offington alone. He also had to pay other fines for his other lands.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Edward Alford passed away in 1653 when he was 61 years old.

Family Life

Sir Edward Alford married twice. His first wife was Lady Mary Cooper. She passed away in 1639 and did not have any children with Sir Edward. She was buried in Watford parish church.

His second wife was Ann Corbett. They had two children together, named John and Frances. Lady Ann Alford lived much longer than Sir Edward. She passed away in 1692 at the age of 74. She was buried at St. Mary's Church, Broadwater. There is a special brass plaque on the floor of the church that remembers her.