Edward King (Parliamentarian) facts for kids

Edward King (born around 1606 – died 1681) was an English lawyer and politician. He was a member of the Parliament starting in 1660. Edward King supported the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War. He was a strong Presbyterian and helped people who didn't follow the main church after the king returned to power.

Edward King's Early Life

Edward King was the son of Richard King from Ashby de la Launde. His mother was Elizabeth Colly. He began studying law at Gray's Inn in 1623. However, he didn't become a full lawyer for more than 20 years.

King's Role in the Civil War

When the English Civil War began, Edward King joined the Parliamentary army as a captain. He took part in an early attack on Newark. In 1643, he was accused of treason by the Royalists.

In the same year, he became the Sheriff of Lincolnshire until 1644. He was also the Governor of Boston until 1645. He helped collect money and organize defenses for the Parliament. In 1644, he was a colonel in the Parliamentary army. He became a freeman of Grimsby in 1645.

King had some disagreements with other leaders, including Lord Willoughby of Parham. Oliver Cromwell also viewed him with some suspicion. After 1645, he didn't hold any major county jobs until 1658.

Becoming a Lawyer and Landowner

Edward King finally became a lawyer in 1646. He then took over as the Recorder (a type of judge) for Grimsby. He held this important job until he died. In 1646, he tried to become a Member of Parliament for Grimsby but wasn't successful.

In 1647, he was accused of making it hard to collect taxes. By 1650, he was a senior member of Gray's Inn. In 1653, he inherited his father's lands, including Ashby Hall. In 1658, he helped manage drainage systems in Lincolnshire. By 1659, some people thought he was secretly supporting the Royalists. In 1660, he was involved in the local militia and became a Justice of the Peace for Kesteven.

Edward King's Political Career

In April 1660, Edward King was a colonel in the local militia. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Grimsby in the Convention Parliament. He was a very active MP, serving on many committees. He often led discussions and spoke out on issues.

He continued to serve in various roles, like helping to manage drainage systems and collecting taxes. He also helped with the process of ending the army and supporting injured soldiers. He did not run for re-election in 1661.

Supporting Nonconformists

Edward King was known for supporting "sectaries and nonconformists." These were people who did not follow the official Church of England. During the Second Anglo-Dutch War, he was arrested. He believed this was a personal attack by Sir Robert Carr. He was released after three months.

In February 1666, he was sent to the Tower of London. This happened because he refused to promise he would behave peacefully. He was expected to sign a large financial promise. This promise would make him report any plots and avoid certain religious meetings. King said these conditions were "illegal" and "servile." He found a way to get out of prison.

He tried again to become an MP for Grimsby in 1667 but failed. He then likely moved to London. He was very active in speaking out against the renewal of the Conventicles Act. This law made it illegal for groups of people to meet for religious services outside the official church.

In 1672, he received permission to hold a Presbyterian meeting at his house in Ashby. It was said that he helped many people who were questioned for not following the official church. He gave them legal advice and supported them in court.

Edward King's Death

Edward King died in Ashby when he was about 75 years old.

King was married to Anne Ayscough. She was the daughter of Sir Edward Ayscough. Edward and Anne had two sons and four daughters.