John Brooke, 1st Baron Cobham facts for kids
John Brooke, 1st Baron Cobham (born 15 August 1575 – died 1660) was an important English politician. He served in the English Parliament many times between 1614 and 1643. During the English Civil War, he strongly supported the King's side, known as the Royalists.
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Early Life and Education
John Brooke was the son of Henry Brooke and Anne Sutton. His family was well-known. When he was about 26 years old in 1601, John traveled to Paris, France, to learn French. Later, in 1610, he went on a sea journey and stopped in Portugal. He was given the title of a knight in January 1612, becoming "Sir John Brooke."
A Career in Parliament
John Brooke became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1614, representing the area of Gatton. An MP is someone elected by people to speak for them in Parliament, helping to make laws and decisions for the country.
He was elected as an MP two more times:
- In 1621, he represented Oxford.
- In 1625, he represented Great Bedwyn.
In May 1626, he received an important government job as a senior Teller of the Exchequer. This role involved managing the King's money. He lived in a place called Heckington in Lincolnshire.
The English Civil War
In November 1640, John Brooke was again elected as an MP for Appleby. This Parliament was called the Long Parliament because it lasted for many years.
England soon entered a big conflict called the English Civil War. This war was fought between those who supported King Charles I (the Royalists) and those who supported Parliament. John Brooke was a strong supporter of the King. He even helped raise money for the King's army in Lincolnshire.
Because of his support for the King, Parliament decided he could no longer be an MP. This happened on 15 March 1643. On 3 January 1645, the King honored him by making him a noble, giving him the title Baron Cobham. This meant he became John Brooke, 1st Baron Cobham.
Later Life and Family
John Brooke was married twice. His first wife was named Anne, who passed away in February 1625. Later, he married Francis Bampfield, the daughter of Sir William Bampfield.
John Brooke died in 1660. He was buried on 20 May 1660, in Wakerley, Northamptonshire.
