Edward Owner facts for kids

Edward Owner (born 1576, died 1650) was an English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, many times between 1621 and 1648. He supported the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War. This was a big conflict in England.

Edward Owner: A Parliament Man

Getting Started in Politics

In 1621, Edward Owner was chosen as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Great Yarmouth. An MP is someone who represents their town in Parliament. He was also an alderman and bailiff of Yarmouth in 1625. A bailiff was a local official, like a mayor. He was closely linked to a religious group in Yarmouth. His daughter even married a minister named John Brinsley. Owner was re-elected as an MP for Yarmouth in 1625.

He became bailiff again in 1634. During this time, he caused a small problem. The bailiffs from the Cinque Ports (a group of historic coastal towns) usually attended the fair in Yarmouth. But Owner did not give them their usual seats. They complained to a powerful person, the Earl of Arundel. The Earl sorted it out. He also suggested that Owner should be "more courteous" in the future.

Standing Up for Rights

In April 1640, Owner was re-elected as an MP for Yarmouth. This was for the Short Parliament. He was elected again for the Long Parliament in November 1640. In Parliament, he spoke out against "Ship Money." This was a tax that King Charles I tried to collect without Parliament's approval. Owner voted that this tax was illegal.

When the English Civil War began, Owner worked hard to make sure Yarmouth's defences were strong. He also gave his own money to help with this important task.

Helping His Town

In January 1646, Edward Owner led a group of town councillors. They also included a local minister, Thomas Whitfield. They tried to manage a new independent church group in the town. Later in 1646, he was elected Bailiff of Yarmouth again. He tried to refuse the job, but he took it.

Owner is not recorded as being in Parliament after an event called Pride's Purge. This was when some members were removed from Parliament. He made many kind donations to the town of Yarmouth. He also left some property in Ireland. This property was meant to help the Children's Hospital School.

Later Years and Legacy

Edward Owner passed away in 1650. He was buried in the north side of Yarmouth's St Nicholas' Church. He is remembered for his work in Parliament and his support for Yarmouth.