John George (died 1677) facts for kids

John George (born 1594, died 1677) was an English lawyer and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government where elected people make laws. He served there at different times between 1626 and 1678.

Early Life and Education

John George was born in 1594. His father was Robert George of Baunton. John was the oldest son who survived childhood. He was baptized on September 15, 1594.

He went to Magdalen Hall, Oxford university. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA), on July 6, 1614. After university, he decided to become a lawyer.

Becoming a Lawyer

On July 1, 1615, John George joined Middle Temple. This was one of the special schools in London where people learned to become barristers (a type of lawyer). He finished his training and was allowed to practice law on May 23, 1623. This is called being "called to the bar."

Besides being a lawyer, John George was also important in his local area. He was the Lord of the Manor of Baunton. This meant he owned a large estate and had some authority over the land and people living there. He also served as a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) and a Deputy Lieutenant for Gloucestershire. These roles involved keeping law and order and helping with local defense.

Political Career and the English Civil War

John George became a politician in 1626. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Cirencester. He was re-elected in 1628.

Ruling Without Parliament

From 1629 to 1640, King Charles I decided to rule England without calling Parliament. This period is known as the Personal Rule. Because of this, John George could not serve as an MP during these eleven years.

When Parliament was called again in April 1640, John George was re-elected for Cirencester. This short meeting of Parliament was called the Short Parliament. Later that year, in November 1640, he was elected again for the Long Parliament.

During the Civil War

England soon entered a difficult time known as the English Civil War. This was a fight between those who supported Parliament (called Roundheads) and those who supported the King (called Cavaliers).

In August 1642, John George helped Parliament by setting up a military base in Cirencester. However, in the spring of 1643, he was captured by Prince Rupert, a leader of the King's army. John George was taken to Oxford.

There was a tense moment when the Earl of Forth, a Royalist commander, threatened to execute John George. This was in response to Colonel Fiennes, a Parliamentarian leader, executing some of his prisoners. Even though Fiennes did execute his prisoners, the Earl of Forth decided to spare John George's life.

After this experience, John George changed his mind and decided to support the King. Because he switched sides, he was no longer allowed to be a member of Parliament. He then went back to live on his estates. He continued his legal work, becoming a senior member (a bencher) of Middle Temple in 1653 and its Treasurer in 1658.

Return to Parliament

After the King was restored to power, a period known as the Restoration, John George was re-elected as an MP for Cirencester in 1661. He served in this Parliament, called the Cavalier Parliament, until he died.

Later Life and Family

John George likely passed away in December 1678. He was about 85 years old. He was buried in Baunton on January 6, 1679.

He was married to Elizabeth Tirrell. Her father was John Tirrell of St Ives. John and Elizabeth George had five sons and one daughter.