Edward Thurland facts for kids

Edward Thurland (born February 22, 1607 – died January 14, 1683) was an English lawyer and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government that makes laws, at different times between 1640 and 1673.

Early Life and Education

Edward Thurland was born in 1607. His father was also named Edward Thurland and lived in Reigate, Surrey. When he was young, Edward went to Clare College, Cambridge in 1624 to study. After that, he joined a special school for lawyers called the Inner Temple in 1625. By 1634, he had finished his training and became a lawyer. This meant he could now work in courts.

Starting His Political Career

In April 1640, Edward Thurland was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for his hometown, Reigate. This was during a time called the Short Parliament. An MP is someone elected to represent their area in the House of Commons. Later, in 1659, he was elected again as an MP for Reigate, this time for the Third Protectorate Parliament.

Important Roles and Knighthood

Edward Thurland continued his work in politics and law. In 1660, he was elected MP for Reigate once more, for the Convention Parliament. He was re-elected in 1661 for the Cavalier Parliament and stayed an MP until 1673.

In 1661, he also became the Recorder for Reigate and Guildford. A Recorder was a judge or a chief legal officer for a town. He also worked as a special lawyer for James, Duke of York, who later became King James II. Because of his important work, Edward Thurland was made a knight on April 22, 1665. This meant he was given the title "Sir."

He continued to rise in the legal world. In 1668, he became a King's Counsel, which is a very senior lawyer who advises the Crown. Then, in 1672, he became a serjeant-at-law, another high rank for a lawyer. In 1673, he became a Baron of the Exchequer. This was a judge in a special court that dealt with money matters for the King. He held this important judge position until 1679.

Family and Later Life

Edward Thurland was married to Elizabeth Wright, who was from Buckland, Surrey. He passed away on January 14, 1683, when he was 76 years old. He was buried in Reigate, the town he represented for many years in Parliament.