John Alford (Parliamentarian) facts for kids

John Alford (born around 1590 – died January 5, 1649) was an important person in England a long time ago. He owned land and was a politician, meaning he helped make decisions for the country. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a big meeting place where laws were discussed. John Alford was on the side of the Parliament during the English Civil War, a big fight in England.

Early Life

John Alford's father was Edward Alford, and his mother was Judith Downing. When he was 16 years old, in 1607, John started studying at St John's College, Oxford. His family lived in a place called Offington.

Political Journey

In 1626, John Alford was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for a town called New Shoreham. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the House of Commons.

Two years later, in 1628, he became an MP for Arundel. He served until 1629. At that time, King Charles I decided to rule England without the help of Parliament for eleven years.

When his father passed away in 1632, John Alford took over the family lands, including the areas of Hamsey and Offington.

Parliament was called back in April 1640 for a short time, known as the Short Parliament. John Alford was again elected as an MP for New Shoreham. Later that year, in November 1640, he was re-elected for the Long Parliament. He held this position until 1648. He was removed from Parliament during an event called Pride's Purge, when some members were forced out.

Later Life and Family

John Alford passed away in 1649. He was buried in a place called Broadwater, West Sussex. A special monument was put up there to remember him.

John Alford married Frances Bishopp. Her father was Sir Thomas Bishopp, 1st Baronet. John and Frances had two daughters. Their names were Elizabeth, who was born in 1620, and Jane. Jane later married a man named Sir Thomas Eversfield. John Alford's wife, Frances, lived for eleven years after he died.