James Cowper facts for kids

James Cowper (1622–1683) was an English lawyer and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, at different times between 1656 and 1660.

Early Life and Education

James Cowper was born in 1622. His father was Sir William Cowper, 1st Baronet. His mother was Martha Master. He was baptised on December 8, 1622.

He went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 1640. Later, in 1643, he joined Lincoln's Inn. This was a place where people studied to become lawyers. He became a lawyer in 1650.

A Career in Politics

During a time in English history called the Interregnum, James Cowper also worked as a property developer. This meant he bought and sold land and buildings.

In 1656, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for the town of Hertford. He served in the Second Protectorate Parliament. He was elected again for Hertford in 1659 for the Third Protectorate Parliament.

In March 1660, he became a commissioner for the militia in Hertfordshire. A militia was a group of citizens trained as soldiers. He also became a Justice of the Peace (J.P.). A Justice of the Peace helps keep law and order in a local area. He held this job until 1678.

Later Political Roles

In 1660, James Cowper was elected MP for Hertford once more. This time, he served in the Convention Parliament. This Parliament helped bring back the king to England.

He also had other important roles. In July 1660, he was a commissioner for "oyer and terminer." This meant he helped with legal cases. From August 1660 to 1661, he was a commissioner for assessment in Hertfordshire. This role involved helping to decide taxes.

Family and Death

James Cowper married Anne Wroth on May 9, 1657. They had two sons and one daughter.

James Cowper passed away when he was about 60 years old. He was buried on August 8, 1683, at St Michael, Cornhill church. After his death, his wife Anne married George Howard, 4th Earl of Suffolk. She died in 1710.