Jerome Sankey facts for kids

Jerome Sankey was an English soldier and politician. He lived in the 1600s, during a time of big changes in England. He fought for the Parliament's army in the English Civil War. Later, he also served in Ireland. Sankey was a Member of Parliament several times.

Early Life of Jerome Sankey

Jerome Sankey was born in Shropshire, England. His father, Richard Sankey, was a church leader. Jerome went to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1637. He later moved to Clare College, Cambridge in 1640. He earned his first degree in 1641 and a master's degree in 1644. People who knew him said he loved sports more than books. He was known for being good at cudgel fighting and football. They thought he was more like a tough soldier than a quiet scholar.

Sankey in the English Civil War

When the English Civil War began, Sankey joined the Parliament's army. He quickly became a captain. He was also a preacher who believed in independent Presbyterian ideas. In 1645, he was mentioned for his bravery. A letter said that Captain Sankey, who was very brave, was wounded but was expected to recover. In 1648, he helped capture Mersea Fort. That same year, he became a Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford. This happened when new leaders were put in place at Oxford University. He was also made a special officer, called a proctor, at Oxford in 1649.

Early Service in Ireland

After being a proctor for about a month, Sankey went back to being a soldier. He moved to Ireland as a commander. He was said to have done "good service" there. In a short time, he became a colonel, leading a group of horse soldiers. He earned a good salary and other benefits. While in Ireland, he also joined a different religious group called the Anabaptists.

In 1651 and 1652, he was the main commander for Parliament's forces in Tipperary. People in his group said he did "excellent service" for their cause. In 1652, Parliament read a letter from Sankey. They also read an agreement he made with an Irish commander. Parliament decided to thank Sankey for his good work. They also made plans to give him land in Ireland. In 1654, he became a Member of Parliament for Tipperary and Waterford.

Sankey's Time in Parliament

Sankey was elected as a Member of Parliament for Reigate in 1656. He might have later represented Marlborough. In 1658, he was made a knight by Richard Cromwell. However, this special honor ended when the king returned to power in 1660. In 1659, he was chosen to represent Tipperary and Waterford again. But he chose instead to be an MP for Woodstock. Around this time, he lived in Westminster. He often met with Anabaptist groups. Some people thought he was not a very exciting person.

Questions About William Petty

In 1659, Sankey raised serious questions about William Petty. Petty had organized a big land survey in Ireland called the Down Survey. Sankey accused Petty of not being honest in Parliament. Petty responded to these accusations in a pamphlet. He also wrote more about it in an essay published in 1660.

Later Service in Ireland

On July 2, 1659, Sankey gave a list of officers for the forces in Ireland. He also gave a short speech. Later that month, he was made a colonel of a horse regiment in Ireland. In August 1659, Sankey brought his troops from Ireland to England. He helped to stop a rebellion led by Sir George Booth in Cheshire. Soon after, he took his troops back to Ireland. Because of this, his name was not on the list of army officers who caused trouble for Parliament.

After the king returned to power, Sankey stayed in Ireland. He was mentioned as one of "many disaffected persons" there in 1662. Sankey died in Ireland around the end of King Charles II's reign.