Edward Bysshe facts for kids
Sir Edward Bysshe (born around 1615, died 1679) was an important English lawyer, politician, and an expert in heraldry. Heraldry is the study of coats of arms and family histories. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, from 1640 to 1679. During a time called the Commonwealth, he held a special job as Garter King of Arms, the chief officer of arms in England.
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Who Was Edward Bysshe?
Edward Bysshe was born in a place called Smallfield, in Burstow, Surrey. He was the oldest son of Edward Bysshe, who was also a lawyer. His family had lived in the area for a long time.
In 1633, he started studying at Trinity College, Oxford. Later, he joined Lincoln's Inn, which is a place where lawyers are trained. He became a lawyer himself.
Edward Bysshe's Political Life
Edward Bysshe became a Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Bletchingley in 1640. He was part of both the Short Parliament and the Long Parliament.
Around 1643, he was given the important role of Garter King of Arms. This was during the English Civil War, when King Charles I had left London. In 1646, the House of Commons officially made him Garter King of Arms. They also made him Clarenceux King of Arms, another high position in heraldry.
Later, in 1654, Bysshe was elected as an M.P. for Reigate. He also represented Gatton in Parliament in 1659.
After the King Returned
When the king returned to power in 1660, a time known as the Restoration, Edward Bysshe had to give up his Garter King of Arms job. However, he was given the job of Clarenceux King of Arms in 1661. He received this role because he had protected the library of the College of Arms during the time the king was away. The College of Arms is where records of coats of arms are kept.
Edward Bysshe was made a knight on April 20, 1661, and became Sir Edward Bysshe. He was again elected as an M.P. for Bletchingley. He was also chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1663. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers.
Sir Edward Bysshe passed away in 1679 when he was about 64 years old. He was buried in a church in London. He was married to Margaret Green, who outlived him.
Edward Bysshe's Writings
Sir Edward Bysshe was also involved in publishing old texts. He edited and published several important books:
- Nicolai Vptoni de Studio Militari Libri Quatuor (1654): This book was about military studies and heraldry. He added his own notes to it.
- Palladius, de Gentibus Indiæ et Bragmanibus (1665): This book was in both Greek and Latin and was about people from India.
He also thought about writing a book about the history of Surrey, but it was never finished. He was very interested in heraldry as a way to understand history.
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