John Digby (1618–1664) facts for kids
John Digby (born 1618, died 1664) was an English politician. He was a member of the Parliament from 1640 to 1642. During the English Civil War, he fought for the King's side, known as the Royalists. Later in his life, he became a priest in France.
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Early Life and Family
John Digby was born in London in 1618. His father was John Digby, 1st Earl of Bristol, an important figure. His mother was Beatrix Walcot. When he was 16, John went to Magdalen College, Oxford, a famous university, in 1634.
A Time in Parliament
In November 1640, John Digby was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for a place called Milborne Port. This was part of a very long Parliament session known as the Long Parliament.
A Moment of Disagreement
In 1641, John's older brother, George Digby, became a member of the House of Lords. One day, John Digby stood on a ladder near the door of the Parliament chamber. The Speaker of the House, William Lenthall, saw this as disrespectful. He told John to take his proper seat and not stand on the ladder "as if he were going to be hanged." Another MP, Richard King, felt the Speaker was too harsh. After some discussion, the Speaker apologized for his words.
Fighting in the Civil War
When the English Civil War began, John Digby supported King Charles I. Because he sided with the King, he was removed from Parliament on August 5, 1642. He became a general in charge of cavalry (soldiers on horseback) under Lord Hopton, a Royalist commander.
Life as a Priest
After the war, in 1660, John Digby chose a different path. He became a priest at a convent of English Benedictine nuns in Pontoise, France. People described him as a "most holy devout person." He lived a very strict religious life.
His Final Days
In March 1664, John Digby and other members of the convent planned to visit England. However, he became very weak due to his strict fasting and old war wounds that caused him headaches. One night, he became very ill and passed away the next day. He was buried at the convent in Pontoise. His tomb had a Latin phrase that meant, "Here lies a shadow, and dust, and nothing."
