George Fenwick (Parliamentarian) facts for kids

George Fenwick (born around 1603, died 1657) was an important English leader. He was a Parliamentarian, which meant he supported the English Parliament during a time of civil war. He was also a key figure in starting the short-lived Saybrook Colony in America.

Early Life and Education

George Fenwick was born in England around 1603. His father was also named George Fenwick. He studied law and became a lawyer at Gray's Inn in London in 1631.

Journey to America and Saybrook Colony

Fenwick became very interested in the idea of setting up new settlements in America. He helped plan the Connecticut Colony and signed an agreement with John Winthrop the Younger in 1635. He even visited Boston in 1636 to see things for himself.

In 1639, George Fenwick moved to America with his wife and family. They settled in the Saybrook Colony, which was located at the mouth of the Connecticut River. He was in charge there, acting as a representative for the people who owned the land and as the governor of the Saybrook fort.

An interesting part of his time in America happened in 1642. After the death of a Native American leader named Wequash Cook, Fenwick took in Cook's son, Wenamoag, to raise him. We don't know what happened to Wenamoag after Fenwick's wife passed away and Fenwick went back to England in 1645.

In 1643, Fenwick represented Connecticut at a meeting of the united colonies. On December 5, 1644, he sold the fort at Saybrook and its lands to the Connecticut Colony. He also promised that other lands mentioned in the original agreement would come under Connecticut's control. However, this promise caused problems later on. When Fenwick's family tried to claim his estate in 1657, they had to pay money because the promise wasn't fully kept.

Return to England and Political Career

George Fenwick returned to England in 1645. Soon after, in October 1645, he was chosen to be a member of the Long Parliament for Morpeth.

During the English Civil War, Fenwick was a military leader. He commanded a group of soldiers from the northern part of England. He helped defeat an enemy leader and took back Fenham Castle. After the town of Berwick surrendered, he became its governor.

Fenwick was even chosen to be one of the people to put King Charles I on trial, but he did not take part in it. In 1650, he joined Oliver Cromwell's army when they invaded Scotland. He became the governor of Leith and Edinburgh Castle in December 1650. He also captured Hume Castle in February 1651. Later, he was one of eight people chosen to govern Scotland.

He continued his political career, representing Berwick in Parliament in 1654 and 1656.

Family Life

George Fenwick passed away on March 15, 1657. He was buried in the parish church of Berwick.

He was married twice. His first wife was Alice, who was the daughter of Sir Edward Apsley. His second wife was Catherine, the eldest daughter of Sir Arthur Haslerig. After Fenwick's death, Catherine married Colonel Philip Babington.