Henry Cholmley facts for kids

Sir Henry Cholmley (born 1609 – died 1666) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a main part of the government, at different times between 1641 and 1666. During the English Civil War, he supported the Parliamentary side, who were against the King.

Sir Henry's Early Life and Start in Politics

Henry Cholmley was born in 1609. He was the second son of Sir Richard Cholmley. In 1628, he began studying law at a famous place called Inner Temple. After his father passed away in 1631, Henry traveled to other countries in 1633. By 1640, he was a lieutenant-colonel in the local army in Yorkshire.

In January 1641, Henry Cholmley was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for a place called Malton. This was during a time known as the Long Parliament. He was given the special title of "Sir" on December 27, 1641. From 1642 to 1648, he also worked as a J.P. for Yorkshire. This meant he helped keep law and order.

Supporting Parliament in the English Civil War

Sir Henry Cholmley strongly supported the Parliament during the English Civil War. From 1642 to 1644, he was a colonel in the Parliament's army. He helped lead soldiers on foot. He also had many important jobs helping Parliament manage money and local areas. For example, he helped collect money and taxes in Yorkshire. He was involved in making sure things ran smoothly in the northern parts of England.

He also helped lead the attack on Pontefract Castle, a very important place during the war. In December 1648, he was temporarily removed from Parliament during a big political event.

Later Life and Return to Parliament

As the war ended, Sir Henry Cholmley changed his views and began to support the King's side, known as the Royalists. He helped Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Lord Fairfax of Cameron, a key leader, to bring back a proper government.

In February 1660, he was briefly arrested. But just a few days later, he was allowed to return to the House of Commons. From March 1660 until he died, he continued to serve as a J.P. in Yorkshire.

In April 1660, Sir Henry was again elected as an MP, this time for Appleby. He continued to serve in the army as a colonel for a few months. He also took on more roles, helping with legal matters and local government. He became a Deputy Lieutenant for North Riding, helping to organize the local military.

In 1666, Sir Henry went to Tangier, a city in North Africa, to help with building a harbor. He was filling in for his nephew, Sir Hugh Cholmley. Sadly, he passed away in Tangier a few months later. His body was brought back home to England and buried on June 30, 1666.

Sir Henry's Family Life

Sir Henry Cholmley married Lady Katharine Twisleton around 1638. She was the widow of Sir George Twisleton. Together, Henry and Katharine had two sons and one daughter. Their sons were Hugh (born 1642) and Richard (born 1643). Their daughter was Henrietta Catherine (born 1645). Henrietta Catherine later married Sir John Tempest and had children. Sir Henry was also the brother of Sir Hugh Cholmeley, 1st Baronet.