Edward Phelips (speaker) facts for kids
Sir Edward Phelips (born around 1555–1560, died 1614) was an important English lawyer and politician. He served as the Speaker of the English House of Commons from 1604 to 1611. After that, he became the Master of the Rolls, a senior judge, until his death in 1614.
Edward Phelips was first elected as a MP in 1584. He had a very successful career as a lawyer. In 1588, he started building Montacute House. This grand house was meant to be a summer home for him and his family. He was knighted in 1603. One of his most famous roles was leading the prosecution during the trial of the people involved in the Gunpowder Plot.
He married Margaret Newdigate. His son, Sir Robert Phelips, later inherited his land and property.
Contents
Sir Edward Phelips: A Life of Service
Early Life and Education
Edward Phelips was the youngest of four sons. His father was Thomas Phelips from Montacute, a village in Somerset. Edward was born around 1560. He studied law at the Middle Temple, which was one of the main law schools in London.
Serving in Parliament
Edward Phelips began his political career in 1584. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for several different areas. These included Bere Alston, Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, Penryn, and Andover. In 1601, he was chosen to represent his home county, Somerset.
In 1604, he was re-elected for Somerset. On March 19, he was chosen to be the Speaker of the House of Commons. The Speaker is like the referee or chairperson of Parliament. People at the time said he was one of the best Speakers in many years. He helped Parliament get things done for the king.
Important Roles and Royal Connections
Sir Edward Phelips held many important jobs. He became a judge in the county of Lancaster. In this role, he helped enforce laws against people who did not follow the official church. He was also one of the people who questioned the Gunpowder Plot conspirators. In January 1606, he was the main prosecutor at the trial of Guy Fawkes and the other plotters.
He also served as a chancellor to Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, who was King James I's son. In 1611, he became the Master of the Rolls. This was a very high position in the legal system.
In 1613, Sir Edward Phelips helped organize celebrations for a royal wedding. This was for Princess Elizabeth and Frederick V of the Palatinate. He even paid a famous designer, Inigo Jones, to create scenery for a special play. He was also put in charge of all royal forests and parks in England.
Building Montacute House
Besides his homes in London and Essex, Phelips built a magnificent house in Somerset. This house is called Montacute House. It is still standing today and is looked after by the National Trust. It is a famous example of Elizabethan architecture.
Sir Edward Phelips passed away on September 11, 1614. He was married twice. His first wife was Margaret Newdegate, and they had two sons, Sir Robert and Francis.
Understanding Parliamentary Rules
The 1604 Rule
Sir Edward Phelips helped establish an important rule in Parliament. It is known as the "1604 rule." This rule states that Parliament cannot vote on the exact same proposal twice in the same session.
This rule helps Parliament work smoothly. It stops the government from repeatedly bringing up the same idea if it has already been voted on. This rule has been used many times throughout history. For example, it was used in 2019 during discussions about the Brexit withdrawal agreement.
