John Evelyn (Parliamentarian) facts for kids

Sir John Evelyn (11 August 1601 – 26 June 1685) was an English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a main part of the government, at different times between 1626 and 1660.

Early Life and Family

Sir John Evelyn was born in 1601. His father was George Evelyn from West Dean. George worked as one of the "Six Clerks" in Chancery, which was an important legal office. Sir John's mother was Elizabeth Rivers.

He was related to other notable people named John Evelyn. One was a famous diarist, John Evelyn. Another was his uncle, John Evelyn (1591–1664), who also served in Parliament for Bletchingley.

Political Career

Sir John Evelyn began his political journey in 1626. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Wilton. An MP is a person chosen to represent an area in Parliament.

In 1637, he became a Justice of the Peace (JP) for Wiltshire. A JP helps keep law and order in their local area.

Serving in Parliament

Evelyn was elected again in April 1640 for Ludgershall. This was during a short period known as the Short Parliament. He was re-elected for Ludgershall later that year in November, for the Long Parliament.

During his time in Parliament, he held many important roles. He was a commissioner for various tasks, like helping to raise money or dealing with military matters. He also worked on committees that helped govern the country.

Important Roles

In 1641, he became a Justice of the Peace for Hampshire. He was involved in important decisions, including those related to the New Model Army. This was a new, organized army formed during the English Civil War.

He also worked on plans to help Ireland. In 1648, he was part of the "committee of both kingdoms." This group helped manage affairs for both England and Scotland. After a political event called Pride's Purge, he stopped attending the House of Commons for a while.

Return to Parliament

In 1660, Sir John Evelyn was a Councillor of State. This was a high-level advisory position to the government. He was elected again for Ludgershall in the Convention Parliament. However, there was a dispute over the election results. He ended up serving as an MP for Stockbridge instead.

Family Life and Legacy

Sir John Evelyn married Elizabeth Coxe. She was the daughter of Robert Coxe, a grocer from London. Together, they had two daughters.

• Elizabeth Evelyn: She married Robert Pierrepont. Their son, Evelyn Pierrepont, 1st Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull, became a very important figure.
• Sarah Evelyn: She married three times. Her husbands were Sir John Wray, Thomas Fanshawe, and George Saunderson.

Sir John Evelyn passed away in 1685 at the age of 84. He left most of his property to his daughter Elizabeth's family.