Edward Elvines facts for kids

Edward Elvines was an English politician. He lived a long time ago, during the 1600s. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1654. This was a very important part of the English government. Edward Elvines strongly supported the Parliamentary side. This was during a big conflict called the English Civil War.

Edward Elvines and the English Civil War

Edward Elvines might have been the son of William Elvines. William was a baker from Worcester. He left money for poor people in his will in 1612.

When the English Civil War began, Edward Elvines chose to support Parliament. This was the group fighting against the King. In 1642, he had to leave his home county. He was opposing the King's officials there.

He tried to gather men to fight for Parliament. This was when the Earl of Essex, a Parliament leader, went to Worcester. But Edward had to run away again. This happened when Sir William Russell took the city for the King's side.

Edward was away from Worcester for four years. During this time, his home and belongings were open to the enemy. He had to live by borrowing money.

Serving the City of Worcester

Worcester finally fell to Parliament in 1646. Edward Elvines then became an alderman of the city. An alderman is like a senior member of the city council. He also joined the Parliamentary Committee for Worcestershire. This committee helped Parliament manage the area.

People asked him to become mayor of Worcester. They trusted him a lot. They promised to pay him back for any costs. However, the committee was later dissolved. So, he did not get the money he was promised.

On July 29, 1648, he joined the Committee for Sequestrations in Worcestershire. This committee took control of property from people who supported the King. On February 25, 1650, he became a sub-commissioner for this work.

Challenges and Recognition

In 1651, the Scottish army arrived in Worcester. Edward Elvines had to flee for the third time. But he returned with the parliamentary army.

He was asked to be mayor again. He later said this was very risky. He was among many sick Scottish soldiers. On March 2, 1652, the Council of State suggested something important. They asked the House of Commons to make Edward Elvines a J.P. for Worcester. A Justice of the Peace helps keep order and applies local laws.

On December 14, 1653, he was named one of three Sequestration Commissioners for Worcestershire. But this appointment was later cancelled on January 10, 1654.

In 1654, Edward Elvines was elected to Parliament. He became a Member of Parliament for Worcester. This was for the First Protectorate Parliament.

On May 2, 1654, he asked Oliver Cromwell, the leader of England, for help. He explained his many expenses and sufferings for the public. He asked for money to live on in his old age. He said he was too old to work much now. A committee looked into his request. They suggested he should be paid £600. This money would come from the estates of those who had supported the King. In September 1654, an official order was made. It said he should receive £600. This was for his loyalty as mayor in 1646 and as governor in 1651. It also covered losses from his house burning and his goods being stolen.