Henry Brett (MP for Gloucester) facts for kids
Henry Brett (born around 1587 – died March 31, 1674) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government that makes laws, from 1640 to 1644. During the English Civil War, he supported the King's side, known as the Royalists.
Early Life and Career
Henry Brett was the son of James Brett from a town called Leicester. As he grew up, he started working for a very important judge, the Lord Chancellor. This job helped him learn a lot about how the government worked.
A Member of Parliament
In April 1640, Henry Brett was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for the city of Gloucester. An MP is someone elected by people to represent them in the House of Commons. This first Parliament was called the Short Parliament because it didn't last very long.
Later that same year, in November 1640, he was elected again as an MP for Gloucester. This time, the Parliament was called the Long Parliament, and it lasted for many years. Henry Brett stayed an MP until February 1644, when he was removed from his position.
Supporting the King
During this time, England was going through a big conflict called the English Civil War. Henry Brett chose to support King Charles I and his side, the Royalists. He even attended the King's own special meeting in Oxford.
In January 1645, Henry Brett signed an important letter. This letter was sent to Lord Essex, a leader on the other side, asking for peace. After the war ended, in August 1646, Henry Brett had to pay a large fine of about £874. This was because he had supported the King's side, which lost the war.
Later Life and Family
Many years later, in May 1672, Henry Brett was appointed an alderman for Gloucester. An alderman was like a member of the local city council. He passed away at the age of 87.
Henry Brett was married to Margaret Rudd. Her father, Thomas Seames, was also an alderman in Gloucester. Henry's brother, Arthur Brett, worked for King James I. Henry Brett's grandson, also named Henry Brett, later became an MP too, representing a place called Bishops Castle.
