Edward Bagshaw (MP) facts for kids

Edward Bagshaw (born around 1589, died 1662) was an English writer and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons from 1640 to 1644. During the English Civil War, he supported the King's side, known as the Royalists.

Early Life and Legal Training

Edward Bagshaw was born around 1589 in the City of London. When he was about 15, he started studying at Brasenose College, Oxford in 1605. He earned his first degree in 1608. His teacher was Robert Bolton, a well-known writer. Later, Bagshaw wrote a book about Bolton's life.

In 1615, Bagshaw became a lawyer at Middle Temple, a famous legal society in London. In 1640, he gave special lectures there. He argued that Parliament could meet without bishops. He also said that bishops should not be involved in government matters. These ideas caught the attention of William Laud, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury. Bagshaw was stopped from giving more lectures.

Political Career and the Civil War

Because of his lectures, Bagshaw became quite popular. In November 1640, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Southwark. This was during a time known as the Long Parliament.

When the English Civil War began, Bagshaw joined the King's supporters in Oxford. He attended the King's own Parliament there. Because of this, he was removed from his seat in the Parliament in Westminster in January 1644.

Later, the King's opponents captured him. He was held prisoner in Southwark starting in June 1644. While he was in prison, he wrote many of his books and papers. He was released from prison in 1646.

Later Life and Writings

After his release, Bagshaw continued his legal career. He became a senior member of his legal society. In 1660, he became the treasurer of Middle Temple.

Edward Bagshaw passed away in 1662. He was buried in a church in Moreton Pinkney, Northamptonshire, near his home.

His writings include:

• Life and Death of Mr. Robert Bolton (1633): A book about his former teacher.
• Several speeches he gave in Parliament, including:
  • A speech about bishops in February 1641.
  • A speech about the trial of twelve bishops in January 1642.
• Treatise defending the Revenues of the Church (1646): A book supporting the church's income.
• Treatise maintaining the Doctrine, Liturgy, and Discipline of the Church of England (1646): A book defending the Church of England's beliefs and practices.
• De Monarchia Absoluta (1659): A work about absolute monarchy.
• Just Vindication of the questioned part of the reading in Middle Temple Hall (1660): A defense of his lectures that were stopped.