Hamon le Strange facts for kids

Sir Hamon le Strange (born 1583, died 1654) was an important English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is a main part of the government. Sir Hamon was a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War. People who supported the King were called Cavaliers. His family, the le Stranges, were well-known gentry (important landowners) from Norfolk, England. They lived at their family home, Hunstanton.

Sir Hamon le Strange's Life and Work

Early Life and Public Service

Hamon le Strange was the son of Sir Nicholas le Strange and Mary Bell. He was also the great-grandson of another important politician, Sir Nicholas L'Estrange. Hamon studied at Queens' College, Cambridge starting in 1601. He received the title of 'Sir' (knighted) in 1604. From 1608 to 1609, he held an important local position as the High Sheriff of Norfolk. This role involved keeping law and order in the county.

Serving in Parliament

Sir Hamon le Strange was chosen to be a MP (a member of the House of Commons) several times. He represented Norfolk in 1614 and again in 1625. In both 1625 and 1626, he was also elected as an MP for Castle Rising.

In 1616, a priest named Thomas Tunstal escaped from Wisbech Castle. Sir Hamon le Strange helped to track him down and make sure he was caught.

Role in the English Civil War

During the English Civil War, Sir Hamon le Strange supported the King. He became the Royalist Governor of King's Lynn in 1643. However, this role did not last long. The town was soon surrounded by Parliamentarians, who supported Parliament.

When King's Lynn surrendered, Sir Hamon's family had to pay a large amount of money, over £1000, as compensation. They also faced other financial difficulties. Because of his support for the King, his family's lands were taken away for a few years between 1649 and 1651.

Sir Hamon le Strange's Family

Sir Hamon le Strange married Alice Stubbe in 1602. Alice was the daughter of Richard Stubbe, who was the family's lawyer. Sir Hamon and Alice had four children:

• Hamon became a writer. He wrote about history, religious ideas (theology), and church services (liturgy).
• Roger was known for writing many pamphlets, especially about religious topics.
• Nicholas was given the special title of a baronet.
• Elizabeth married a politician who supported Parliament, Sir William Spring.

Sir Hamon le Strange passed away in 1654 when he was 71 years old.