Gervase Bennet facts for kids

Gervase Bennet (born in 1612) was an English politician. A politician is someone who works in government. Bennet served in the House of Commons of England, which is like a parliament, from 1653 to 1659. He is famous for creating the name "Quakers" for the Religious Society of Friends.

Gervase Bennet: Mayor and Magistrate

Gervase Bennet was the Mayor of Derby in 1645. During this time, there was a serious illness called the plague in Derby. Bennet also worked as a magistrate. A magistrate is like a judge who handles smaller legal cases.

In 1650, Bennet and another magistrate, Nathaniel Barton, were in charge of a trial. The person on trial was George Fox. Fox was the founder of the Religious Society of Friends. During the trial, Fox told the court to "Tremble at the word of the Lord." Bennet replied that the only "quaker" (someone who trembles) in the room was Fox himself. This is how the nickname "Quakers" started. It soon became a common way to refer to members of the Society of Friends.

Bennet's Time in Parliament

In 1653, Gervase Bennet was chosen to be a representative for Derbyshire. He served in a special parliament known as the Barebones Parliament.

Later, in 1654, he was elected to be a Member of Parliament for Derby. He served in the First Protectorate Parliament. He was elected again for the Second Protectorate Parliament in 1656. His last term was in the Third Protectorate Parliament in 1659. Being a Member of Parliament meant he helped make laws for England.

Bennet's Family and Estates

Gervase Bennet owned land and properties in places called Littleover and Snelston. He married a woman from the Rowe family. They had a son named Robert. Bennet was about 50 years old in 1662. His family's land was sold in 1682.