Isaac Penington (Lord Mayor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaac Penington
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| Member of the English Parliament for City of London |
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| In office 1640–1653 |
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| Preceded by | Parliament suspended since 1629 |
| Succeeded by | |
| Lord Mayor of London | |
| In office 1642–1642 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Richard Gurney, 1st Baronet |
| Succeeded by | Sir John Wollaston |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1584 |
| Died | 16 December 1661 Tower of London, England |
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Isaac Penington (born around 1584 – died December 16, 1661) was an important English politician. He was a member of the English Parliament from 1640 to 1653. He also served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1642. Penington was a key figure in the government led by Oliver Cromwell.
Contents
Isaac Penington's Early Life and Career
Isaac Penington followed in his father Robert's footsteps. He became a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. This meant he was a full member of a powerful trade group in London. He inherited land and money from his father. He also bought more land himself. Penington became very wealthy as a merchant, trading in wine and cloth.
In 1629, he joined a brewery business. This was through his second wife's family. Isaac and his wife, Mary, were both strong Puritans. Puritans were a group of Protestants who wanted to make the Church of England simpler.
Becoming a City Leader
In 1638, Penington was chosen as a Sheriff of London. Sheriffs were important officials who helped manage the city. On January 29, 1639, he became an alderman for the City of London. An alderman was a senior member of the city's government. In 1640, he was the main leader of the Fishmongers Company.
Isaac Penington's Political Roles
In April 1640, Isaac Penington was elected as a member of parliament (MP). He represented the City of London in the Short Parliament. He was re-elected for the same area in November 1640 for the Long Parliament. He remained an MP until 1653.
Lord Mayor and Tower of London
On August 16, 1642, Parliament chose him to be the Lord Mayor of London. This happened after the previous mayor, Sir Richard Gurney, 1st Baronet, was removed. Sir Richard was a supporter of the King. Penington also became a Colonel in the White Regiment, London Trained Bands in 1642. These were citizen soldiers who protected London.
From 1642 to 1645, he was the Lieutenant of the Tower of London. This meant he was in charge of the famous Tower of London. Many important prisoners were held there during this time.
Role in King Charles I's Trial
In January 1649, Penington was appointed as a commissioner. This meant he was part of the special court that tried King Charles I. However, he did not sign the order for the King's death.
He served on the Council of State for the Rump Parliament. This council was like the government's main committee. He was also on several other government committees. In 1649, he was made a knight. From 1650, he was the only MP representing the City of London. He served until Oliver Cromwell removed the Rump Parliament by force on April 30, 1653.
Later Life and Imprisonment
After the Restoration, the monarchy returned to England. Isaac Penington was put on trial for high treason. This is a very serious crime against the government. He was sent to prison in the Tower of London. He died there on December 16, 1661.
Isaac Penington's Family Life
Isaac Penington was married two times.
First Marriage
His first marriage was around 1614 or 1615 to Abigail Allen. She was the daughter of John Allen from London. They had six children together:
- Isaac Penington, who became a Quaker. Quakers are a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs.
- Arthur Penington, who became a Roman Catholic priest.
- William Penington (1622–1689), a merchant in London. He also became a Quaker.
- Abigail Penington, who married around November 1641.
- Bridget Penington.
- Judith Penington, who knew the famous diarist Samuel Pepys. Letters suggest she also became a Quaker.
Second Marriage
His second marriage was to Mary Young. She was the daughter of Matthew Young and the widow of Roger Wilkinson.
See also
- List of lord mayors of London
- List of sheriffs of London
