Edward Boscawen (Truro MP, born 1628) facts for kids
Edward Boscawen was an important English politician who lived from 1628 to 1685. He was a member of the English Parliament, called the House of Commons, for many years between 1659 and 1685.
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Edward Boscawen's Family History
Edward Boscawen was born in 1628. His father was Hugh Boscawen from Tregothnan, Cornwall. His mother was Margaret Rolle. Edward had two brothers, Hugh and Charles. They were also members of Parliament, representing areas in Cornwall.
The Boscawen family was very old and well-known in Cornwall. Edward's father, Hugh Boscawen, made a lot of money from his copper mines. These mines were in places like Chacewater and Gwennap. He owned most of the land there.
The Chacewater mine, also known as Wheal Busy, was once called "the richest square mile on Earth." Over its lifetime, this mine produced huge amounts of copper and arsenic.
Edward Boscawen's Career
In 1648, Edward Boscawen began training to become a Turkey Merchant. This meant he would trade goods with countries in the Middle East. He also trained with his uncle, John Rolle, who was a Member of Parliament. His uncle was famous for opposing certain taxes.
Edward Boscawen became very successful. He bought land in North Cornwall, including areas called Worthevale and Roscarrock.
In 1659, Edward Boscawen was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Tregoney. This was during the Third Protectorate Parliament. In 1660, he was elected for both Tregoney and Truro. He chose to represent Truro. He was re-elected for Truro in 1661 for the Cavalier Parliament and stayed in that role until he died in 1685. He was not as active in Parliament as his brother Hugh.
Edward Boscawen held several important roles:
- In 1660, he helped organize the local army (militia) in Cornwall.
- In 1661, he joined a group called the Corporation for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England. This group worked to spread Christianity in America.
- From 1661 to 1680, he helped with tax collection in Cornwall.
- From 1667 to 1670, he was a Justice of the Peace for Cornwall. This meant he helped keep law and order.
- In 1670, he became a member of the Levant Company, another trading company.
- In 1673, he became a "stannator" for Tywarnwhaile. This was a special role related to tin mining in Cornwall.
- In 1675, he helped identify people who refused to follow the official church (recusants) in Cornwall.
- From 1677 to 1680, he also helped with tax collection in Westminster.
Marriage and Family Life
On January 5, 1665, Edward Boscawen married Jael Godolphin. She was the daughter of Francis Godolphin from Godolphin Breage, Cornwall.
Edward and Jael had one son and two daughters. Their son, Hugh Boscawen, 1st Viscount Falmouth (1680–1734), also became a Member of Parliament for Cornwall. Later, he was given a special title and became a "peer."
Death and Burial
Edward Boscawen passed away when he was 56 years old. He was buried at St Mary Abbots church in Kensington.
