John Dove facts for kids
John Dove (who lived until around 1664 or 1665) was an important politician during a time of big changes in England. He was a supporter of the Parliament during the English Civil War and the period right after, known as the Interregnum. This was a time when England didn't have a king.
Some people thought John Dove was one of the people who helped decide the fate of King Charles I. He was indeed a Commissioner (like a judge) during the King's trial in January 1649. He was present on several days when the trial happened at the Palace of Westminster. However, John Dove did not take any other part in the trial. He did not sign the document that ordered the King's death. Because of this, he was not punished when the King's son, Charles II, became king again during the Restoration.
Early Life and Political Start
Not much is known about John Dove's early life. We do know that his father, Henry, was the Mayor of Salisbury in Wiltshire back in 1616. John Dove also owned land and was very active in local politics. He became the Mayor of Salisbury himself in 1635.
John and his brother Francis were strong supporters of Parliament. Francis also served as Mayor of Salisbury in 1645 and 1650. Both brothers worked on many county committees starting in 1644. John was chosen to represent Salisbury in the Long Parliament in 1645. This happened after a Royalist (someone who supported the King) was removed from the position.
Military and Influence
In 1650, John Dove became a colonel in the Wiltshire militia, which was like a local army. The Council of State, a powerful government group, praised him in August 1651 for how dedicated he was.
John Dove's influence in his home county and in the government in London helped him become quite wealthy. He was able to buy lands that had been taken from Royalists and the church. These lands were in places like Fountell in Hampshire, Blewbury in Berkshire, and Winterbourne Earls in Wiltshire.
Challenges and Later Years
In 1655, while John Dove was serving as the High Sheriff of Wiltshire (a high-ranking local official), he was captured in Salisbury. This happened during an event called the Penruddock uprising, when some people tried to bring back the King. John Dove was almost hanged, but some of the rebels helped him escape.
Later, John Dove was removed from the Salisbury town council in 1656 because of a new rule. But he was put back on the council in 1659. He also got his seat back in the Rump Parliament, which was the name for the Parliament at that time.
When King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660, John Dove showed that he was very sorry for his past actions. Because of this, he avoided being punished. He continued to serve as an alderman (a senior member of the town council) in Salisbury until 1662. At that time, he was removed again because of a new law called the Corporation Act.
John Dove then retired to his estate at Ivychurch, which was near Alderbury. He passed away there sometime before March 1665.
