Francis Fulford (politician) facts for kids
Sir Francis Fulford (c. 1583 – 1664) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1625. He came from a well-known family in Devon, England.
Early Life and Family
Francis Fulford was born around 1583. He was the son of Sir Thomas Fulford and Ursula Bampfield. He was baptized in Exeter on September 1, 1583.
When he was 15, Francis went to Brasenose College, Oxford. Later, he studied law at Middle Temple in London. In 1606, he was knighted, which means he received a special honor from the King.
In 1610, Francis inherited his family's home, Great Fulford. This large estate was in Dunsford, Devon. You can still see statues of his parents, Sir Thomas and Ursula, in the Fulford Chapel at Dunsford Church.
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Political Career
Sir Francis Fulford became a politician. In 1625, people in Devon elected him as their member of parliament. A Member of Parliament (MP) helps make laws for the country.
He also held other important roles. By 1640, he was a Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset. This meant he helped the main county official. From 1642 to 1643, he was the High Sheriff of Dorset. The High Sheriff was a key law enforcement officer in the county.
English Civil War
Sir Francis Fulford was a strong supporter of King Charles I during the English Civil War. This war was fought between those who supported the King (Royalists) and those who supported Parliament (Parliamentarians).
In early 1643, Francis was captured and briefly held in prison in Devon. He kept a group of soldiers at his home, Great Fulford, to defend it. However, in December 1645, he had to give up his home to the Parliamentarian army led by Thomas Fairfax.
Sadly, his oldest son, Thomas, was killed during the war. After the war, Sir Francis was allowed to keep his estates. He lived quietly until King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660.
Family and Later Life
Sir Francis Fulford married Elizabeth Samways. She was from Dorset and came from a wealthy family. They had seven sons and six daughters. Some of their sons passed away before him.
Francis Fulford died around 1664, when he was about 80 years old. He was buried in Toller Fratrum, Dorset. Since his oldest son had died, his grandson, also named Francis, inherited the family estates in Devon. His younger son, George, inherited the estates in Dorset.
