John Lovelace, 2nd Baron Lovelace facts for kids

John Lovelace, 2nd Baron Lovelace, was an important figure in 17th-century England.

John Lovelace, 2nd Baron Lovelace (born February 1616 – died 25 November 1670) was an English nobleman. He was also a loyal servant to the King. A "peer" is a member of the nobility, and a "Royal servant" means he held important jobs for the King.

Early Life and Family

John Lovelace was born in Hurley, Berkshire, England. His father was Richard Lovelace, 1st Baron Lovelace. His mother was Margaret, whose father was William Dodworth, a merchant from London. John went to Christ Church, Oxford for his education. After his father passed away, John inherited Ladye Place, a family home in Hurley.

Loyalty to the King

John Lovelace was a strong supporter of the King during a time of great conflict in England. This period is known as the English Civil War. People who supported the King were called Royalists. Those who supported Parliament were called Parliamentarians. Because of his loyalty to the King, John Lovelace was held by the Parliamentarians. He was sent to the Tower of London. He also had to pay a very large sum of money as a fine.

Service to the Crown

After the King returned to power, John Lovelace was given important roles. From 1660 to 1670, he served as the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire. A Lord Lieutenant was the King's personal representative in a county. They were responsible for keeping order and organizing the local militia. In 1670, he became the steward of the old Royal palace at Woodstock. This meant he managed the palace. John Lovelace passed away in the gatehouse of this palace on 25 September 1670. He was buried in the old priory church in Hurley on 1 October 1670.

Family Legacy

After John Lovelace's death, his son, John Lovelace, 3rd Baron Lovelace, became the next Baron Lovelace. John Lovelace's wife was Anne. She was the daughter of Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Cleveland. Anne later inherited the title of 7th Baroness Wentworth. After her death, this title passed to their granddaughter, Martha Johnson. John Lovelace also had a daughter named Dorothy Lovelace. She married Henry Drax.