Goodwin Wharton facts for kids
Goodwin Wharton (born March 8, 1653 – died October 28, 1704) was an English politician and writer. He was also very interested in mysterious things like mysticism, alchemy, and treasure hunting. He wrote an autobiography that was never published. A historian named Roy Porter said it was a very unusual and interesting book.
Goodwin Wharton's Early Life
Goodwin Wharton was the youngest of seven children. His parents were Philip Wharton, 4th Baron Wharton and Jane Goodwin. He grew up in Upper Winchendon, Buckinghamshire. He went to school in France and attended a Protestant school in Caen from 1663 to 1664. His older brother, Thomas Wharton, was a very strong personality. Goodwin often felt overshadowed by him.
In 1680, Goodwin was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for East Grinstead. This meant he helped make laws for the country. He gave a very strong speech against the Duke of York, who later became King James II. Because of this speech, Goodwin had to hide for a short time.
Mysterious Beliefs and Adventures
Goodwin Wharton was very keen on finding hidden treasures. He sent two trips to Tobermory in Scotland. He hoped to find a large ship from the Spanish Armada that had sunk there a long time ago. But his treasure hunts were not successful.
He often got advice from a woman named Mary Parish. She said she was a medium, which means she could talk to spirits. Mary Parish claimed she could even talk to fairies! She told Goodwin where to look for treasure. Another politician, John Wildman, also became very interested in Mary Parish's predictions in 1684.
The next year, Goodwin Wharton started to believe he was getting messages directly from God and angels. He wrote down these messages.
Goodwin Wharton's Political Career
After a big change in government called the Glorious Revolution, Goodwin Wharton became more important. He was made a lieutenant colonel in the cavalry, which is a type of army unit that rides horses.
When his father passed away in 1696, Goodwin inherited family lands in Buckinghamshire. He was elected to Parliament again in 1690. He represented different areas like Westmoreland, Malmesbury, Cockermouth, and Buckinghamshire until he died.
From 1697 to 1699, he was one of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. This meant he helped manage the British Navy. In 1698, he had a stroke, which is a serious medical event. After this, he could no longer work in public life.
