Henry Waltham facts for kids

Henry Waltham (who died in 1668) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1660. The House of Commons is an important part of the Parliament, where laws are made.

Who Was Henry Waltham?

Henry Waltham was born in England. His father, also named Henry Waltham, was a politician too. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1628. The Waltham family lived in Weymouth, a town in Dorset, England.

Early Life and Career

Henry Waltham worked in business. He supplied "naval stores," which are materials needed for ships. This included things like timber, ropes, and sails. His work helped support the English navy.

A Role in the Civil War

When the English Civil War began, Henry Waltham joined the Parliamentary army. This war was fought between those who supported the King and those who supported Parliament. Waltham sided with Parliament. People who supported Parliament were sometimes called "Roundheads."

Becoming a Local Leader

After the war, Waltham became an important person in his hometown of Weymouth.

• In 1647, he became a "freeman" of Weymouth. This meant he had special rights as a citizen.
• From 1649 to 1662, he was an "alderman." An alderman was a senior member of the town council.
• He also served as the mayor of Weymouth from 1657 to 1658. The mayor is the head of the town's government.

Serving in Parliament

In 1659, Henry Waltham tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for Weymouth. He did not win that election. However, he tried again the next year. In 1660, he was successfully elected as an MP. He represented Weymouth and Melcombe Regis. He served in the Convention Parliament. This was a special Parliament that met to decide how England would be governed after the Civil War.

Later Life

Henry Waltham did not run for Parliament again in 1661. In 1662, there were new rules and oaths required for public officials. Waltham disagreed with these new rules. Because of this, he left his roles in the town government.

Family Life

Henry Waltham married Ruth Lindsay. She was the daughter of Edward Lindsay, a merchant from Weymouth. They were married before 1646.