Henry Marten (politician) facts for kids

Sir Henry Marten (born 1562, died 26 September 1641) was an important English judge and politician. He was a member of the Parliament at different times between 1625 and 1640. He also served as a top judge in the Admiralty Court from 1617 until his death.

Sir Henry Marten's Early Life

There are two main stories about Sir Henry Marten's early life. One story says he was the oldest son of Anthony Marten, a merchant from London. This account suggests he was born in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire.

Another story says he was the second son of John Marten, a rich baker from London. This account gives his baptism date as 2 August 1562. It also mentions his mother was Rose.

Education and Legal Career

Sir Henry Marten went to Winchester College for his schooling. Later, he studied at New College, Oxford starting in 1581. He focused on civil and church law. He earned his law degrees in 1587 and 1592.

In 1596, he became a member of the College of Advocates. This meant he could practice law. He became a very busy barrister (lawyer) in courts dealing with sea law and other important cases. He also became an official for the church area of Berkshire.

Important Roles and Knighthood

Sir Henry Marten became the King's advocate in 1609. This was a key legal role for the King. In 1613, he traveled abroad for the marriage plans of Lady Elizabeth.

In 1616, he became the chancellor of the London diocese. He was made a knight in December 1616. This meant he was now called "Sir Henry Marten." In 1617, he became a judge in the admiralty court. This court handled cases related to the sea. He also joined the court of high commission and became dean of the arches.

Sir Henry Marten also started buying land in Berkshire. He bought properties like Longworth House in 1618.

Political Life in Parliament

In 1625, Sir Henry Marten was elected as a Member of Parliament for St Germans. He supported Sir John Eliot in criticizing the Duke of Buckingham. He was known for speaking in a calm and fair way.

He was re-elected for St Germans in 1626. In 1628, he was elected MP for Oxford University. He took part in important discussions about the Petition of Right. This was a document that limited the King's power. He served until 1629, when King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for eleven years.

In April 1640, Marten was elected MP for St Ives in the Short Parliament. He did not run for the next Parliament, called the Long Parliament.

Family and Legacy

Sir Henry Marten married Elizabeth Harding. They had two sons and three daughters. One of his sons was Henry Marten. His other son, George Giles Martin, was loyal to the King. George later became the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Ireland. He also became a tobacco producer and the Speaker of the House of the Assembly of Barbados in 1665.

Sir Henry Marten passed away on 26 September 1641 in Bray, Berkshire, England. He was buried next to his wife Elizabeth at Saint Mary's Church in Longworth, Oxfordshire. Elizabeth had died in 1618.

A painting of Sir Henry Marten can be seen at Trinity Hall, Cambridge.