George Lilburne facts for kids
George Lilburne (born around 1585 – died August 23, 1666) was an English businessman and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1654. He supported the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War.
George Lilburne was the son of John Lilburne and Isabel Wortley. He was baptized in Auckland St Andrew on January 16, 1586. He lived in Sunderland and was likely a merchant who traded coal. Like others in his family, he became very involved in politics.
Lilburne's Role in the English Civil War
When the Civil War began, George Lilburne was the Mayor of Sunderland. He was the only local leader who opposed other officials from Durham and Northumberland. These officials were gathering support and supplies for the King's army. Because of his opposition, Lilburne was put in prison, first in Durham and then in York.
Even though he disagreed with it, Lilburne had to sign a document on September 12, 1642. This document allowed horses to be taken to carry ammunition for the King's forces.
Sunderland remained loyal to the King until the Scottish army captured it for Parliament in 1644. Parliament then wanted to restart the coal trade. They arranged for George Lilburne to be released from prison in exchange for a Royalist prisoner. When he returned, he found the coal mines in very bad condition.
Lilburne became the only magistrate (a type of judge) in Sunderland. He worked on all the committees that took property from Royalist supporters. He managed to take control of the Harraton colliery (a coal mine). However, it did not start producing coal again until 1647.
Member of Parliament
In 1654, Lilburne was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for County Durham. He served in the First Protectorate Parliament. This was an important moment because it was the first time that County Durham had its own representative in Parliament.
Later Life and Family
George Lilburne was one of the leaders of Kepyer School. After the King was restored to power, Lilburne built a new part of the hospital and gave money to support it.
Lilburne passed away in 1666. Some records say he died in 1677, but 1666 is more commonly accepted.
Lilburne married Jane Chambers first. They had a son named Thomas, who was also a soldier for Parliament and a Member of Parliament. George Lilburne then married Eleanor Hicks and had more children. Through his son William, George Lilburne was an ancestor of Thomas Jefferson, who later became a US President.
George Lilburne was also the uncle of Robert Lilburne, who was a soldier for Parliament, and John Lilburne. John Lilburne was famous for speaking out strongly for democratic freedoms and was known as "Free-Born John."
