Francis Bacon (Ipswich MP) facts for kids
Francis Bacon (born September 30, 1600 – died around September 1663) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, at different times between 1645 and 1660. During the English Civil War, he supported the Parliamentary side. This means he was on the side of the Parliament, not the King.
About His Life
Early Years and Family
Francis Bacon was born into an important family. His father was Sir Edward Bacon. His grandfather was Sir Nicholas Bacon, who was a very important person in Queen Elizabeth I's government, called the Keeper of the Great Seal. This job was like being a chief legal advisor and a top government official.
Francis studied at Queens' College, Cambridge, which is a famous university. He also had a brother named Nathaniel Bacon.
Political Career
Francis Bacon became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1645. An MP is someone elected to represent a certain area in the House of Commons. He represented the town of Ipswich. This was during a time known as the Long Parliament.
He continued to be elected as an MP for Ipswich several times. He served in the First Protectorate Parliament in 1654, and again in the Second Protectorate Parliament in 1656, and the Third Protectorate Parliament in 1659. These were parliaments that met during a period when England was not ruled by a king.
In April 1660, Francis Bacon was elected to the Convention Parliament. This Parliament was very important because it brought back the king, Charles II, to rule England. This event is known as the Restoration. Francis served in this Parliament alongside his brother, Nathaniel.
Family Life
Francis Bacon married a woman named Katherine Wingfield. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Wingfield. They had eight children together: six sons and two daughters. Sadly, four of their sons passed away before Francis did.
