James Norfolk facts for kids

Sir James Norfolk (died 1680) was an important officer in the English Parliament during the time of King Charles II. He held the special job of Serjeant-at-Arms for the Speaker of the House of Commons of England. This meant he was like the chief security officer and messenger for the House of Commons, making sure rules were followed and messages delivered.

A Life of Service

In 1656, James Norfolk bought Colchester Castle, a very old and famous building. After he died, the castle went to his son, who later sold it in 1688.

Starting a Big Job

Just before King Charles II returned to England and the monarchy was brought back (this event is called the Restoration), James Norfolk was chosen for a very important role. On April 25, 1660, the Convention Parliament picked him to be the Serjeant-at-Arms for the House of Commons. This was a big deal, even though others had old papers saying they should have the job.

A Difficult Task

In January 1661, the House of Commons gave James Norfolk a tough assignment. He was told to find the bodies of certain people who had been involved in the execution of King Charles I. These people were John Bradshaw, Oliver Cromwell, and Henry Ireton. Norfolk found the first three bodies.

On January 30, 1661, exactly 12 years after King Charles I was executed, these bodies were dug up. This was a form of punishment even after death. Their bodies were taken to Tyburn, a place where public punishments happened, and then their heads were placed on spikes at Westminster Hall. This was the same building where King Charles I had been put on trial.

Continuing His Role

In May 1661, James Norfolk was officially reappointed as the Serjeant-at-Arms. The King himself agreed to this.

Later, in 1670, Norfolk reported that the special ceremonial staff, called the Mace, which he carried for the House of Commons, was old and worn out. So, a new Mace was ordered to be made for him to use.

A Parliamentary Problem

On June 2, 1675, something unusual happened. The Speaker of the House of Commons ordered that Norfolk be arrested and sent to the Tower of London. This was because he had not followed the instructions of the House of Commons. However, Norfolk could not be found.

His disappearance happened during a disagreement between the House of Commons and the House of Lords, which are the two main parts of Parliament. The Commons had told Norfolk to keep certain people overnight so they could be questioned. But another officer, called Black Rod (who worked for the House of Lords), was ordered by the Lords to free these same people. Black Rod did his job, while Norfolk did not do his.

End of Life

James Norfolk passed away and was buried on November 18, 1680, at Romford Chapel.

Family Life

Sir James Norfolk had several children, including:

• John (who died in 1675)
• Martha, who married a lawyer named Hope Gifford from Colchester.