George Burdett (governor) facts for kids
George Burdett (born around 1602, died 1671) was an important leader in early American history. He served as the second governor of an early settlement in New Hampshire, which was then called the Upper Plantation. This was between 1637 and 1640. Later in his life, he returned to England. There, he worked as a religious leader for soldiers during the English Civil War. After the king returned to power in England, Burdett became a minister in Ireland.
Early Life and Move to America
George Burdett was born in England. He worked as a minister for the Church of England in a town called Yarmouth. In 1636, he decided to leave England and travel to a new land called New England. He left his family behind to start a new life.
Burdett first arrived in Salem, Massachusetts. He did not stay there long. Soon, he moved to Dover, New Hampshire. People in Dover liked him a lot. Because of his popularity, he was chosen to be their governor within a year.
Time as Governor in New Hampshire
Burdett's time as governor was not always easy. There were many disagreements among the settlers. These arguments were often about religion. Some settlers followed the Church of England (Episcopalians). Others were Puritans, who had different religious beliefs. These differences caused a lot of "confusion and trouble" in the settlement.
Leaving America and Later Life
George Burdett wrote letters to an important religious leader in England named Archbishop William Laud. When his political rivals found out about these letters, Burdett was forced to leave his position as governor.
After leaving New Hampshire, he moved to a place called Agamenticus. This area is now known as York, Maine. However, he faced more problems there. Records from Maine show that he was seen as a person with a "bad name and reputation."
Because of these difficulties, Burdett decided to go back to England. During the English Civil War, he served as a religious leader for the Parliament's soldiers. After the war, and when the king was restored to power, Burdett moved to Ireland. He continued his work as a minister there until his death in 1671.
