Henry Peckham (MP for Chichester) facts for kids

Sir Henry Peckham (born 1614, died 1673) was an important English person. He owned land, worked as a lawyer and judge, and helped manage public affairs. He was also a politician. Sir Henry was a MP for Chichester in Sussex. He served in the House of Commons at different times from 1654 to 1673.

Early Life and Education

Henry Peckham was born in 1614. He was baptised on August 26, 1614, at St Mary's church in Aldingbourne. This village is close to Chichester. He was the first child of William Peckham, who owned land in Aldingbourne. His mother was Mary Raseld.

When he was 18, in 1632, Henry went to Magdalen Hall, Oxford university. After that, he studied law at the Middle Temple starting in 1634. He finished his law studies in 1641 and became a lawyer.

Family Life

In 1644, Henry Peckham married Judith Goring. Her father, Henry Goring, lived in Highden. They were married at St Mary's church in Washington. Judith's brother was Sir Henry Goring, 2nd Baronet.

Henry and Judith had ten children together. Their second son, also named Henry Peckham, became mayor of Chichester twice. Their third son, John Peckham, had a son named Henry "Lisbon" Peckham. This grandson built a famous house in Chichester called Pallant House.

Political and Legal Career

Sir Henry Peckham had a busy career in law and politics. He held many important jobs during his life.

Early Roles

From 1647 to 1649, he was a Justice of the Peace (JP) for Sussex. A JP is like a local judge who helps keep the peace. In 1654, he became the Recorder of Chichester. A Recorder is a judge who works in a city's court.

In 1654, he was elected as a MP for Chichester. He served in the First Protectorate Parliament. He became a Justice of the Peace for Sussex again in 1655 and kept this role until he died.

Serving in Parliament

Sir Henry was re-elected as MP for Chichester in 1656. This time he served in the Second Protectorate Parliament. In 1657, he also became the Recorder of Portsmouth. He held this position, along with his Chichester role, until his death.

In 1659, he was elected MP for Chichester a third time. He served in the Third Protectorate Parliament. In 1660, he was elected MP for Chichester again, this time for the Convention Parliament.

Later Achievements

In 1661, Sir Henry won his fifth election as MP for Chichester. He was also made the Recorder of Newport on the Isle of Wight after 1661.

A big honor came in 1662 when he was knighted on May 24. This meant he could now be called "Sir Henry Peckham." In 1669, he was promoted to serjeant-at-law. This was a very high rank for a lawyer in England at the time.

Sir Henry Peckham inherited his father's land in 1671. He passed away at the age of 57. He was buried on April 27, 1673, at St Peter the Great church in Chichester.