John Clarke (Roundhead) facts for kids
John Clarke (who lived from about 1648 to 1681) was an English politician. He was also known as John Clark, John Clerk, or John Clerke. He served in the English Parliament from 1653 to 1660. John Clarke was also a colonel in the Parliament's army during the English Civil War.
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About John Clarke
His Family Life
John Clarke came from Kensington, England. His father was also named John Clarke and lived in Bocking, Essex. John Clarke married Margaret Bourne from Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. They had a son named Samuel and a daughter. Samuel later became a special kind of noble called a baronet in 1698.
His Work in Local Government
John Clarke was an important leader in Bury St Edmunds. He was an alderman there from 1648 until 1662. An alderman was like a city council member. He helped collect taxes and organize the local army (militia) in Suffolk. He was a Justice of the Peace for Suffolk, meaning he helped keep law and order. He also served as a commissioner for different tasks. For example, he helped decide how much tax people should pay. He also helped with matters related to the church. From 1670 to 1671, he was the High Sheriff of Suffolk, which was a very important local official.
His Time in Parliament
John Clarke was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) many times. An MP is someone who represents people in the country's main law-making body. In 1653, he was an MP for Suffolk in a special Parliament called the Barebones Parliament. He also represented Ireland in the same Parliament. He was elected MP for Bury St Edmunds in 1654 and again in 1656 and 1659. He also represented parts of Ireland (Donegal, Londonderry, and Tyrone) and Wales (Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire) in Parliament. At one point, he was even the Governor of Derry in Ireland. He was asked to join a special upper house of Parliament called Cromwell's Other House, but he did not take his seat there. In 1660, he was re-elected for Bury St Edmunds in the Convention Parliament. However, there was a dispute about his election, and he eventually lost his seat.
John Clarke was involved in many important events. In 1651, he helped Admiral Blake in a military mission to the Scilly Isles. He was part of committees that dealt with the navy and affairs in Ireland. He also helped manage the army. After Oliver Cromwell died, John Clarke signed the order to make Richard Cromwell the new leader, called the Protector. He was also on a special group called the Committee of Safety in 1659.
Later Life and Challenges
In 1659, John Clarke was given command of a group of soldiers. However, he was later removed from his military role by the government. He was also told to leave London. In December 1660, John Clarke was held in a place called the Gatehouse. He asked the King, King Charles II, to release him. He said he was innocent and knew nothing about any wrongdoing. He was later released.
His Death
John Clarke passed away in November 1681. He was buried in St Mary's churchyard in Bury St Edmunds.
