Henry Benson (MP) facts for kids
Henry Benson (born around 1578 – died 1643) was an English politician from Knaresborough, Yorkshire. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament, at different times between 1626 and 1641.
He was the son of Peter Benson, a farmer from Knaresborough.
Early Life and First Time in Parliament
Henry Benson worked as a Deputy Steward in Knaresborough. This was an important local job.
In 1626, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Knaresborough. An MP is someone elected to represent their area in the House of Commons. He was elected again in 1628. He served until 1629, when King Charles I decided to rule the country without Parliament for eleven years. This meant there were no elections or meetings of Parliament during that time.
Return to Parliament and Later Years
When Parliament was called back, Benson was re-elected as an MP for Knaresborough in April 1640. This Parliament was known as the Short Parliament because it didn't last long.
Later that same year, in November 1640, he was elected again for the Long Parliament. However, his time in this Parliament ended in November 1641. He was removed from the House of Commons because he was found to have misused his position. Benson suggested his son-in-law, William Deerlove, should take his place, but this election was not allowed.
During a time of conflict in England, Henry Benson supported the King. In February 1642, it was reported that he was at Plumpton Tower near Knaresborough with two cannons, showing his involvement in the King's cause.
Henry Benson married Elizabeth Deerlove in 1633. She was the widow of John Deerlove. They did not have any children together.
