James Whitelocke (Roundhead) facts for kids

Colonel James Whitlocke (born in 1631, died in 1701) was an important person during a big time of change in England. He lived in Trumpington, Cambridgeshire. James supported the side of the Parliament during the English Civil War. Later, he became a Member of Parliament, which is like being a representative in the government, during a time when England didn't have a king. This period was called the Interregnum.

A Life in Changing Times

James Whitlocke was born on July 28, 1631. His father was Sir Bulstrode Whitelocke. James studied law at the Middle Temple in 1647. He also became a special student at All Souls College, Oxford in 1649.

Serving in the Army

James was a soldier in the Parliament's army. He started as a Captain and later became a Colonel. This was during the English Civil War, when people in England were fighting over who should rule: the King or the Parliament.

Becoming a Politician

In 1654, James Whitlocke was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Oxfordshire. A Member of Parliament is someone elected to represent people in the government.

A few years later, in 1656, Oliver Cromwell made James a knight. Oliver Cromwell was the leader of England at that time, called the Lord Protector. James's father had also been knighted just two years before.

In 1659, James was again elected as a Member of Parliament, this time for Aylesbury. He continued to be involved in politics during this important period in English history. James Whitlocke passed away in October 1701 when he was 69 years old.

His Family Life

James Whitlocke was married three times. His first wife was Mary Pritchard. His second wife was Frances Willoughby. His third wife was known as "the widow Wilson."

James's father gave him a house called Fawley Court in Buckinghamshire. This house had been damaged during the Civil War. James tried to fix it, but he wasn't able to. So, in 1680, he sold the house to a man named Colonel Freeman.