Humphrey Edwards facts for kids
Humphrey Edwards (born 1582, died 1658) was an important person during the English Civil War. He was one of the people known as regicides, which means he signed the order to execute King Charles I of England.
Edwards chose to support the Parliament's side during the war. He found that supporting King Charles I wasn't helping him financially. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Shropshire. In 1649, he signed the document that led to King Charles I's death. Later, in 1650, he took over a top job in the government's financial department. By 1651, he was a commissioner in South Wales.
Early Life and Political Choices
Humphrey Edwards was the younger son of Thomas Edwards from Shrewsbury. He went to Shrewsbury School in 1615 and later studied law at Gray's Inn in 1633. However, he did not become a lawyer.
Some people said that Edwards often changed his loyalties if it benefited him. In 1637, he became a special guard for King Charles I. He was even with the King when Charles I tried to arrest five Members of Parliament in 1642. Edwards was hoping for a reward for helping the King, but he didn't get one.
Because of this, Edwards decided to support Parliament instead. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Shropshire. He became a key member of the Independent party in Parliament. He was not removed from Parliament during an event called Pride's Purge, which removed many members who disagreed with the army.
Role in the King's Trial
Edwards was chosen as one of the judges for the special court that tried King Charles I. He attended the King's trial every day. In the end, he was one of the people who signed the King's death warrant. This document ordered the execution of King Charles I.
After the King was executed, Edwards continued to be an active Member of Parliament. He was involved in selling off lands that belonged to the church and the Crown. He really wanted a specific job in the government's financial office, which was held by Clement Walker. Edwards managed to get this job for himself in 1650. He even took over Walker's official home by force.
In 1651, Edwards was appointed to a special court. This court was set up to investigate uprisings in Wales. This was his last major political role. He did not hold any government positions during the time known as the Protectorate, when Oliver Cromwell ruled England. Humphrey Edwards passed away in 1658 and was buried on August 2nd.
Family Life and Legacy
Humphrey Edwards married Hester Pope in 1623. Hester died before him, sometime before 1658.
Edwards died without leaving a will. His property was supposed to go to his sister, Lucy, Lady Ottley. However, because he had signed the King's death warrant, his property was taken by the Crown. This happened even though he died before the King's son, Charles II, returned to power in the Restoration.
