John Ashburnham, 1st Baron Ashburnham facts for kids
John Ashburnham, 1st Baron Ashburnham (born January 15, 1656 – died January 21, 1710) was an important English landowner and politician. He lived during a time of big changes in England's history.
Contents
Early Life and Family
John Ashburnham was the son of William Ashburnham. His grandfather was also named John Ashburnham, who was a Member of Parliament. His mother was Elizabeth, whose father was John Poulett, 1st Baron Poulett.
In 1677, John Ashburnham married Bridget Vaughan at Westminster Abbey. Bridget was the daughter of Sir Charles Vaughan. Through this marriage, the Ashburnham family gained a lot of land in Wales. John and Bridget had several children together.
A Career in Politics
John Ashburnham was involved in politics for many years.
Serving as a Member of Parliament
He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Hastings. An MP is someone chosen by people to represent them in the country's government, making laws and decisions. He served as an MP from 1679 to 1681 and again from 1685 to 1689.
Royal Coronations
As a "baron" of the Cinque Ports, John Ashburnham had a special role. The Cinque Ports were a group of important coastal towns in southeast England. Being a baron of these ports meant he had certain duties and privileges.
He helped hold the canopy (a special cloth held over the king or queen) during the coronation ceremonies for two different rulers:
- King James II in 1685
- King William III and Queen Mary II in 1688
It is believed that John Ashburnham became unhappy with King James II. He was likely pleased when William and Mary became the new rulers.
Becoming a Baron
In 1689, John Ashburnham was given a special title. He became Baron Ashburnham, of Ashburnham in the County of Sussex. This meant he was "raised to the peerage," which is a group of people with high social rank, often with titles like Duke, Earl, or Baron.
Later in his life, from 1702 to 1710, he also served as the Custos Rotulorum of Breconshire. This was another important official role, usually involving keeping public records and peace in a county.
Later Life and Legacy
John Ashburnham died in London in January 1710, when he was 54 years old. His eldest son, William, took over his title as Baron. After William, his younger brother, John, became the Baron. This younger John was later made an Earl in 1730.
Lady Ashburnham, John's wife, passed away in May 1719.
