John Eyre (1665–1715) facts for kids

John Eyre (born April 12, 1665 – died November 2, 1715) was an important English lawyer and politician. He came from Brickworth, a place in Wiltshire, England. John Eyre served as a member of the English Parliament and later the British House of Commons from 1698 until his death in 1715. He was part of a political group called the Whigs.

Early Life and Education

John Eyre was the son of Sir Giles Eyre and Dorothy Ryves. His family lived at Brickworth House.

When he was 16 years old, John Eyre began his studies at Merton College, Oxford on February 10, 1682. Soon after, on May 31, 1682, he also joined Lincoln's Inn. This was a special place in London where people studied to become lawyers.

In 1688, John Eyre officially became a lawyer. This is called being "called to the bar." He married Mary Williams on June 18, 1687. His father passed away in June 1695. His father's land and family name helped John Eyre get elected later on.

Political Career

John Eyre became a Member of Parliament for the area of Downton. He was first elected in a special election on May 23, 1698. Then, he was elected again in the main election later that year. He was a Whig, which was a political party at the time.

Elections and Votes

In the first general election of 1701, John Eyre won his seat in Downton. However, in the second election that same year, he decided not to run. Instead, he supported Sir James Ashe. John Eyre also stepped aside in the 1702 election.

Later, in the 1705 English general election, Sir James Ashe returned the favor. John Eyre was elected again without anyone running against him.

As a Member of Parliament, John Eyre took part in important votes:

• On October 25, 1705, he voted for the person the King's government wanted to be the Speaker of Parliament.
• On February 18, 1706, he voted for a part of the regency bill. This bill was about who would rule if the King was too young or unable to.
• In the 1708 British general election, he was elected again without opposition.
• In 1709, he voted to allow people from a region called Palatine to become British citizens.
• In 1710, he voted to try Dr. Sacheverell for his speeches.

After the 1710 British general election, John Eyre was not as active in Parliament. But he still voted on important matters. For example, on June 18, 1713, he voted against a bill about trade with France.

He was elected again for Downton in the 1713 British general election. On March 18, 1714, he voted against removing a writer named Richard Steele from Parliament. John Eyre was elected one last time in the 1715 British general election.

Later Life and Legacy

John Eyre continued to work as a lawyer throughout his life. In 1715, he became a "bencher" at Lincoln's Inn. This was a senior position for lawyers at that institution.

He passed away at Lincoln's Inn on November 2, 1715, when he was 50 years old. John Eyre left all his land and property to his nephew, Giles Eyre.