Edward Conway, 1st Viscount Conway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Viscount Conway
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|---|---|
| Lord President of the Council | |
| In office 1628–1631 |
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| Monarch | Charles I |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Marlborough |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Edward Conway
1564 |
| Died | 3 January 1631 (aged 66–67) St Martin's Lane, London, England |
| Resting place | Arrow, Warwickshire, England |
| Nationality | English |
Edward Conway, 1st Viscount Conway (1564 – 3 January 1631) was an important English soldier and politician. He helped lead England during the reigns of King James I and King Charles I. Interestingly, among his many descendants are Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama.
Edward was the son of Sir John Conway from Arrow, England. His mother was Ellen or Eleanor Greville.
Early Life and Military Service
Edward Conway began his career as a soldier. In 1596, he commanded a group of soldiers during the attack on Cadiz in Spain. For his bravery, he was made a knight.
Later, he became the governor of Brill. This was an English "Cautionary Town" near Rotterdam in the Netherlands. A Cautionary Town was a place that England held as a guarantee for loans given to the Dutch. His daughter, Brilliana, was born there. She later married Robert Harley. When Brill was returned to the Dutch in 1616, Edward Conway received a pension.
Rising in Politics
Edward Conway started his political career in the English Parliament. He represented the area of Penryn during the first parliament of King James I.
In 1622, he joined the Privy Council. This was a group of trusted advisors to the King. In January 1623, he became a Secretary of State. This was a very important role, similar to a modern-day government minister. He held this job for five years.
He was also elected to Parliament for Evesham in 1624.
Titles and Later Career
Edward Conway received several important titles. He was made Baron Conway in 1624 or 1625. Then, in 1627, he became Viscount Conway. He also received an Irish title, Viscount Killultagh.
Because he had spent time in the Netherlands, he supported a "Protestant" foreign policy. This meant he wanted England to support Protestant countries in Europe. He was even sent as an ambassador to Prague.
In 1628, King Charles I appointed him Lord President of the Council. This was a very senior position in the government. He held this important role until his death on 3 January 1631.
Family Life
Edward Conway married twice. His first wife was Dorothy Tracy. She passed away in 1613. Together, they had three sons and four daughters. Their son, Edward, became his heir.
In 1614 or 1615, he married Katherine Hueriblock. She was a merchant's daughter from Ghent. Katherine was an active investor in new businesses, including the Virginia Company. This company helped set up colonies in the New World (America). Katherine Conway was known for leaving money to support education and help people in need. She is buried in St Mary's Church, Acton.
