John Goodwin (Parliamentarian) facts for kids

John Goodwin (born 1603 – died 18 February 1674) was an English lawyer and politician. He was a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country. John Goodwin supported the Parliament during the English Civil War, a big conflict between the King and Parliament.

Early Life and Education

John Goodwin was the son of Edward Goodwin and Susan Wallop. He came from Horne, a place in Surrey, England.

In 1622, John Goodwin started studying law at a famous place called the Inner Temple. This was one of the main schools for lawyers in London. By 1630, he had finished his studies and became a lawyer.

John Goodwin's Political Career

John Goodwin became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the first time in 1641. He represented a town called Haslemere in a special Parliament known as the Long Parliament.

During the English Civil War, John Goodwin took on many important roles. In 1643, he helped manage money and resources for the Parliament in Surrey and Leicestershire. He was also involved in planning for defence.

As the war continued, he kept getting more responsibilities. By 1646, he was a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Surrey. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area.

After a big event called Pride's Purge, where some MPs were removed, John Goodwin remained in Parliament. This group was known as the Rump Parliament. He also managed Wimbledon manor in Surrey for several years.

In 1649, he helped organize the local army (militia) in Surrey. He also worked on projects related to draining the Fens, a large wetland area.

Later Years in Parliament

John Goodwin continued his political work. In 1654, he was elected as an MP for East Grinstead. He was elected again for East Grinstead in the next Parliament.

He continued to serve as a Justice of the Peace for Surrey. He also helped with taxes and assessments in Surrey and Gloucestershire.

In 1659, John Goodwin was elected as an MP for Bletchingley. He was re-elected for Bletchingley in April 1660, in a Parliament known as the Convention Parliament.

Family Life

Before 1635, John Goodwin married Katherine Deane. She was the daughter of Sir Richard Deane, who had been the Lord Mayor of London.

John and Katherine had three children: one son and two daughters. John Goodwin also had a brother named Robert Goodwin, who was also involved in Parliament.

John Goodwin passed away when he was about 70 years old. He was buried in a place called Worth.