George Cooper (Poole MP) facts for kids

George Cooper (1626–1689) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, at different times between 1654 and 1673. He also fought in the English Civil War on the side of the Roundheads, who supported the Parliament.

George Cooper's Early Life

George Cooper was born in 1626. He was the second son of Sir John Cooper, 1st Baronet. His older brother, Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury, became a very famous politician. George went to Exeter College, Oxford in 1642 to study.

Joining the Army

During the English Civil War, George Cooper joined the army that supported the Parliament. He quickly moved up the ranks. By 1644, he was a captain, and by 1646, he became a major.

Early Political Roles

After the war, George Cooper took on many important jobs. From 1648 to 1660, he was a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Middlesex. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area. He also served as a commissioner for different tasks, like managing the local army (militia) and helping with taxes.

George Cooper in Parliament

In 1654, George Cooper was chosen to be a member of parliament for a town called Poole. He served in the First Protectorate Parliament. This was a special parliament that met when England was not ruled by a king.

More Public Service

George Cooper continued to be involved in public life. He was part of a special court called the high court of justice. He also helped manage taxes in different parts of England. In 1660, he was elected as an MP for Poole again, this time in the Convention Parliament.

A Challenge with Land

George Cooper bought some land called Clarendon Park for £3,000. He hoped to keep it, but the land was later given to another important person, George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle, in 1665. George Cooper continued to live nearby at Farley.

Later Years in Politics

In 1666, George Cooper became the treasurer of prizes at Dover. This job involved managing goods captured during wars at sea. In 1673, he was elected as an MP for Poole one more time. However, this election was cancelled. This happened because his brother, who was a very high-ranking official, had allowed the election to happen without Parliament's full approval.

George Cooper passed away around July 1689, when he was about 62 years old.

George Cooper's Family

George Cooper married Elizabeth Oldfield in July 1647. She was the daughter of John Oldfield, who was a fishmonger and sugar refiner in London. George and Elizabeth had a large family with two sons and six daughters.