John Ernle facts for kids

Sir John Ernle (born 1620, died 1697) was an important English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like the main law-making body in England. He was also one of the longest-serving Chancellors of the Exchequer, a very important job that manages the country's money. He held this position for many years, from 1676 to 1689.

Sir John Ernle's Early Life and Career

John Ernle was born in 1620. His family lived at Whetham House in Wiltshire, England. His father was also named John Ernle.

In 1654, when he was 34, John Ernle became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Wiltshire. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the House of Commons. He was elected again in 1660 and then for Cricklade in 1661. By 1663, he was given the title of "Sir," meaning he was knighted.

Important Roles and Responsibilities

Sir John Ernle took on many important roles. From 1671 to 1680, he was in charge of checking the accounts for the King's stores.

On May 2, 1676, he was given the very important job of Chancellor of the Exchequer. This role is like being the country's chief financial manager. At the same time, he became a Privy Councillor, which meant he was a trusted advisor to the King. He kept the Chancellor's job until April 9, 1689.

In 1677, Sir John also became one of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. This group helped manage the Royal Navy, England's powerful fleet of ships. He also worked on a committee that dealt with the American colonies.

Later Political Life and Retirement

Sir John Ernle continued to be elected as an MP for different areas. In 1679, he represented New Windsor. In 1681, he was elected for Great Bedwyn.

After his father passed away in 1684, Sir John inherited his family's estates. He was elected MP for Marlborough in 1685, and again in 1689 and 1690.

In 1695, Sir John decided not to run for Parliament again. He retired to his country homes. He passed away in June 1697 and was buried in Calne, Wiltshire. He was known for being generous, leaving money to help the poor in Calne, Highworth, and Bury Blunsdon. He even started a free school for five boys in Wiltshire, which helped educate children until 1829.

Sir John Ernle's Family Life

Sir John Ernle was married twice. His first wife was Susan Howe, whom he married in 1646. They had two sons and seven daughters together.

His second wife was Elizabeth Seymour, whom he married in 1672. She was the widow of Charles Seymour, 2nd Baron Seymour of Trowbridge.

One of Sir John's sons, also named Sir John Ernle, became a famous naval officer. He played a role in the Third Anglo-Dutch War, a series of conflicts between England and the Netherlands.

His daughter, Philadelphia Ernle, married Sir John Potenger. They are buried together in Blunsdon in Wiltshire.

Sir John Ernle's Ancestors

Sir John Ernle came from a long line of notable people. His family had roots in Wiltshire and Sussex. He was related to another important figure named Sir John Ernley, who was a top lawyer and judge in England in the early 1500s.