Francis Luttrell (1628–1666) facts for kids
Francis Luttrell (born 1628, died 1666) lived at Dunster Castle in Somerset, England. He was a lawyer and also a politician. This means he helped make laws for the country. He was part of the English Parliament, called the House of Commons, at different times between 1656 and 1666.
His Family Background
Francis Luttrell was born in 1628. He was the second son of Thomas Luttrell, who also lived at Dunster Castle. His mother was Jane Popham. She was the daughter of Sir Francis Popham.
Francis became the main heir to his family's estates after his older brother, George Luttrell, passed away in 1655 without having any children. Francis also had a younger brother named Alexander Luttrell, who became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Minehead.
Francis Luttrell's Career
Francis Luttrell started studying law in 1646 at a famous place called Lincoln's Inn. He became a lawyer in 1653.
After his brother George died in 1655, Francis took over the family's Dunster Castle estate. In 1656, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Somerset.
He also served as a Justice of the Peace (JP) for Somerset from 1657 to 1659, and again from 1660 until he died. A JP is like a local judge who helps keep the peace. He also helped collect taxes and organize the local army (militia).
In April 1660, Francis was elected MP for Minehead. This was a special election called the Convention Parliament. The Luttrell family had a lot of influence in Minehead, so it was easy for him to be elected there. He was even suggested to become a "Knight of the Royal Oak," which was an honor for people loyal to the King.
He continued to serve as an MP for Minehead in the Cavalier Parliament from 1661 until his death in 1666.
His Marriage and Children
In 1655, Francis Luttrell married Lucy Symonds. She was the daughter of Thomas Symonds. Together, Francis and Lucy had three sons:
- Thomas Luttrell (died 1670): He was the oldest son. He passed away when he was still young and did not have any children.
- Colonel Francis Luttrell (1659–1690): He was the second son and became the heir after his older brother Thomas died. He also became an MP for Minehead. He had two daughters and a son named Tregonwell Luttrell.
- Colonel Alexander Luttrell (1663–1711): He was the youngest son. He became the heir after his nephew Tregonwell Luttrell died without children. Alexander's own son, Alexander Luttrell (1705–1737), was the last male in the Luttrell family line. His daughter, Margaret Luttrell, married Henry Fownes, who then took the Luttrell name.
His Death
Francis Luttrell passed away in 1666 when he was 37 years old. He was buried in Dunster on March 14, 1666.
