John Bodvel facts for kids

John Bodvel (born 1617 – died March 1663) was a Welsh politician. He served as a member of the House of Commons of England (which also included Wales) from 1640 to 1644. During the English Civil War, he was a colonel in the Royalist army, fighting for King Charles I.

Early Life and Family

John Bodvel was the son of Sir John Bodvel, who passed away in 1631. His mother was Elizabeth Wynn. Her father was Sir John Wynn of Gwydir.

In 1633, John Bodvel began studying law at a place called Middle Temple in London. His grandfather had gained the Caerfryn estate on Anglesey through marriage.

Starting in Politics

In April 1640, John Bodvel was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Anglesey. This happened during a short meeting of Parliament known as the Short Parliament. He was elected again for Anglesey in November 1640 for the Long Parliament.

Bodvel supported a group of Protestants who disagreed with the King's government. In March 1642, he was named a Deputy Lieutenant for Caernarvonshire. This was an important local role. On August 2, 1642, the House of Commons allowed him to leave. They also gave him weapons to protect his home in Wales.

The English Civil War

By May 1643, Bodvel had changed his loyalty. He became a Commissioner of Array for Caernarvonshire. This meant he was helping the King's side. He also became the Custos Rotulorum of Anglesey, another important local position.

In January 1644, he attended King Charles I's own Parliament in Oxford. He received a special degree from Oxford University. After this Parliament ended in July 1644, Bodvel went back to his family at Caerfryn. He became the governor of Caernarvon Castle in March 1646.

As a colonel and commissioner, he helped defend Anglesey. He also helped with the talks for its surrender in July 1646.

Family Challenges and Later Life

John Bodvel married Ann Russell in September 1638. They did not have any sons. Ann Russell was a strong Puritan. In 1646, she asked the Lords to remove their children from John's care. She said he was a bad influence. She also asked for money to support herself and the children.

In November 1647, John Bodvel's lands were taken by the government. He was also fined for supporting the Royalist uprising in Anglesey in 1648. After King Charles I was executed, Bodvel left the country. When he returned, his name was on a list in 1651. This list was for selling the lands of those who had fought against Parliament. However, these sales were cancelled in 1652. He was finally cleared of any wrongdoing in April 1655.

A Family Dispute

In 1657, John Bodvel's wife, Ann, arranged a marriage for their second daughter, Sarah. Sarah married Robert Robartes. Robert was the son of John Robartes, 1st Earl of Radnor. The Earl was a wealthy and powerful former Parliamentarian.

John Bodvel did not agree to this marriage. He refused to accept it. After King Charles II returned to the throne, Bodvel changed his mind. He likely considered the Earl of Radnor's important role in the new government. Bodvel then promised to make his grandson, Charles Bodvel Robartes, his heir.

However, John Bodvel's distant cousin, Thomas Wynn, hid him from people he owed money to in London. While there, Bodvel wrote a new will. He left his estates to Wynn's son, Griffith, and another distant cousin.

After John Bodvel died in March 1663, Lord Robartes and his son challenged the will. They took the case to court and to the House of Lords. They eventually got a special law passed that cancelled the new will. This meant Charles Robartes became the heir. This case was very famous and was even written about by Samuel Pepys in his well-known Diary.