John Gurdon (died 1679) facts for kids
John Gurdon (born July 3, 1595 – died September 9, 1679) was an English politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons at different times between 1640 and 1660. He was a strong supporter of the Parliament during the English Civil War. After the King returned to power, he was not elected to Parliament again.
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John Gurdon's Political Journey
John Gurdon was the son of a country gentleman, Brampton Gurdon. His family owned large estates in Letton, Norfolk, and Assington, Suffolk.
Early Days in Parliament
In 1640, John Gurdon was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Ipswich. He first served in what was called the Short Parliament. Soon after, he was also elected to the Long Parliament.
Supporting Parliament During the Civil War
During the English Civil War, John Gurdon strongly supported the Parliament. This group was also known as the Roundheads. Later, when there were disagreements within the Parliament's supporters, he sided with the Army.
He continued to be a Member of Parliament even after a major event called Pride's Purge. This was when some members were removed from Parliament. John Gurdon was asked to be one of the people to judge King Charles I. However, he chose not to attend this important trial.
After the War: New Roles
Even though he did not attend the King's trial, John Gurdon was chosen for the Council of State. This was a group that helped run the country. He served on this council in 1650, 1651, and 1652.
After the Long Parliament ended, Gurdon served as an MP for Suffolk in 1654. This was during the First Protectorate Parliament. Later, in 1660, he was an MP for Sudbury in the Convention Parliament. After the English Restoration, which was when the King returned to power, John Gurdon was not re-elected to Parliament.
About John Gurdon's Family
John Gurdon married Anne Parker. She was the daughter of Sir Calthorpe Parker. John and Anne had several children.
One of their sons was Philip Gurdon (who lived from about 1630 to 1690). Philip also became a Member of Parliament for Sudbury. Another son was Reverend Nathaniel Gurdon (who died in 1696). He was a doctor of divinity and the Rector of Chelmsford. Nathaniel inherited the family estate in Assington after his brother Philip passed away.
There is a special memorial for John Gurdon in the parish church of St Edmund in Assington, Suffolk.
