Humphrey Mackworth (born 1631) facts for kids

Humphrey Mackworth was an English politician and soldier from Shropshire. He served as the military governor of Shrewsbury for nearly five years, from 1655 to 1659. He took over this role from his father, who had the same name. Humphrey Mackworth also represented Shrewsbury in the First, Second, and Third Parliaments.

Early Life and Family

Humphrey Mackworth was likely born in September 1631. He was baptised on the 10th of that month at St Chad's Church, Shrewsbury. His parents were Humphrey Mackworth senior and Anne Waller.

His Parents' Background

His father, Humphrey Mackworth senior, was a lawyer from Betton Strange. The Mackworth family had been involved in Shrewsbury's business and politics for about a hundred years. They owned land at Betton Strange, a few miles south of the town.

Humphrey's mother, Anne Waller, was the first wife of Humphrey senior. She was related to the poet Edmund Waller. Sadly, Anne died when young Humphrey was four years old. She was buried at St Chad's in May 1636.

Growing Up Puritan

Humphrey had an older brother, Thomas Mackworth, who was also involved in Shropshire politics. He also had three younger sisters. The family lived at Betton Strange. They were likely raised as Puritans. Puritans were a group of Protestants who wanted to make the Church of England simpler.

In 1633, Humphrey senior was among twenty families who refused to follow certain church practices. These included bowing at the name of Jesus or kneeling at the altar rail.

Education and the Civil War

Young Humphrey started at Shrewsbury School in 1638, the same year as his older brother. In July 1638, his father married Mary Venables, who became his stepmother.

When the English Civil War began in 1642, Humphrey senior supported Parliament. Royalist forces took over Shrewsbury. They arrested or removed Puritan clergy. The king even ordered the arrest of Humphrey senior for treason. The family's home was taken by the royalists. It's not clear where the family lived during this time. Humphrey senior was often traveling, helping Parliament's efforts in the West Midlands.

In 1645, Parliament's forces captured Shrewsbury. Humphrey senior became the governor of the town. It's believed that young Humphrey gained military experience around this time. He was paid as a captain during his first year as governor.

Becoming a Politician

Humphrey Mackworth junior's first important roles were in law. He became the town clerk of Shrewsbury in 1652. This meant he was in charge of the town's official records. He also joined Gray's Inn, a place where lawyers are trained.

In 1654, his father was appointed to the Protector's Council. This was a powerful government group. His father's duties in London meant he needed a trusted person to look after Shrewsbury.

Serving in Parliament

Later in 1654, Oliver Cromwell decided to hold new elections for Parliament. Humphrey Mackworth senior became one of the MPs for Shropshire. Young Humphrey was elected as one of the two representatives for Shrewsbury.

He was appointed to a committee that looked at the future of the army and navy. He also joined a committee on elections in Ireland. However, Parliament and Cromwell often disagreed. Cromwell eventually closed Parliament in January 1655.

Governor of Shrewsbury

Humphrey Mackworth senior died in London in December 1654. Young Humphrey smoothly took over as the governor of Shrewsbury. He quickly showed he was confident in making decisions. He wrote to John Thurloe, Cromwell's spy chief, about his actions.

Stopping a Royalist Uprising in 1655

In March 1655, royalists tried to start an uprising in Shropshire. Their plan was to draw Parliament's forces away from London. But Cromwell was warned about the plot. Local authorities learned that royalists planned to attack Oswestry and Chirk Castle. They also intended to surprise and take Shrewsbury.

Mackworth quickly warned Sir Thomas Middleton at Chirk Castle. He also called for backup from Hereford. He brought all the Castle garrison into action. He set up checkpoints at the town gates and placed cannons in key spots.

A local man named John Evanson helped Mackworth. He and others went to arrest Sir Thomas Harris, a royalist leader. They found Harris with 20 armed men and weapons. After a struggle, they captured Harris and seven others. The attempt to take Chirk Castle also failed.

Mackworth and others questioned witnesses and suspects. Some people gave useful information about the plotters. Mackworth's quick actions stopped many from joining the uprising. Even those who were clearly guilty were treated lightly. For example, Harris only had his estates taken for two years.

To make the garrison stronger, Cromwell ordered a new company of soldiers to Shrewsbury. Mackworth was made the head of this company. He was also given the title of Colonel.

The Ottley Case

In October 1655, Mackworth wrote to Richard Ottley about a complaint against him. The Ottley and Mackworth families were related, but they had been on opposite sides during the Civil War.

A woman named Mary Moloy claimed that Sir Francis Ottley, Richard's father, had taken her jewelry during the war. She said it was worth £600. After Sir Francis died, she asked Richard for the money, but he gave her nothing. She complained to Cromwell, who asked Mackworth to help solve the problem.

Mackworth told Ottley to settle with Moloy. He warned that Cromwell would be angry with royalists. In the end, Ottley paid Moloy £60. It's not clear if Mackworth was trying to continue a family feud or just find a fair solution.

Managing the Town

Much of Mackworth's work was about running the town. In April 1655, he started serving as a magistrate at the quarter sessions in Shrewsbury. He worked with his brother Thomas and other Parliamentarian leaders.

They handled many different tasks. These included keeping order, appointing officials, and settling disputes. They also dealt with payments for the poor and repairs to churches and bridges. For example, Mackworth helped a butcher named Richard Swayne. Swayne was in prison for debt, but the State owed him money for land taken for Shrewsbury Castle's defenses. Mackworth helped him get the money he needed to be released.

For a short time, the government changed how it ran things. James Berry, a Major-General, was sent to Shrewsbury in November 1655. He thought the local government was messy. He wanted to make many changes. However, the Major-Generals were removed the next year. Mackworth seemed to prefer his role in Shrewsbury over bigger ambitions.

Serving in Parliament Again

Mackworth was again an MP for Shrewsbury in the Second Protectorate Parliament (1656–1658). He didn't play a very big part in its meetings. One of his jobs was to be on a committee about increasing and protecting timber.

He was also elected to Parliament in 1659. This Parliament was opened by Richard Cromwell, Oliver Cromwell's son. Again, Mackworth didn't play a major role. However, his financial problems became clear. He owed a large sum of money for collecting taxes on beer and ale in Lancashire. He promised to pay it back quickly. But this Parliament was soon dissolved by Richard Cromwell due to conflict with the army.

His Disappearance

After 1659, the Protectorate government was in trouble. Royalist feelings grew stronger in Shropshire. Mackworth even complained about a local royalist named John Tench. The mayor of Shrewsbury, John Betton, started putting royalists into public office.

Mackworth was replaced as governor in late 1659 by Edmund Waring, a strong Puritan. Mackworth signed for his last payment as governor in September 1659. He appeared as a justice of the peace for the last time in May 1660. He served the Commonwealth until the very end.

After the Restoration of King Charles II, Humphrey Mackworth was never mentioned in public records again. We do not know when he died.

Family Life

Humphrey Mackworth is not known to have had any children. He was unmarried at least until 1657. There is no record of him marrying after that time.