John Scudamore, 1st Viscount Scudamore facts for kids

John Scudamore, 1st Viscount Scudamore

John Scudamore, 1st Viscount Scudamore (born 1601, died 1671) was an important English politician and diplomat. He served as a member of the English Parliament several times between 1621 and 1629. In 1628, he was given the title of Viscount Scudamore, which was a special noble title in Ireland.

Early Life and Family

John Scudamore was born on March 22, 1601. His father was Sir James Scudamore, and his mother was Mary Scudamore. Their family lived at Holme Lacy in Herefordshire, England.

John went to Magdalen College, Oxford, a famous university, in 1616. He also studied law. In 1618, he traveled in France to learn more about the world. He came back home in 1619 after his father passed away.

His grandfather, also named Sir John Scudamore, helped him get the title of baronet in 1620. This gave him a special high rank in his local area. John also had a younger brother, Barnabas Scudamore, who became a military leader during the English Civil War. Barnabas famously defended the city of Hereford in 1645.

Political Career

In 1621, John Scudamore was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Herefordshire. An MP is someone elected to represent their area in the country's government. In 1622, he became a Justice of the Peace, which meant he helped keep law and order in his local community.

John became good friends with William Laud, who later became a very important church leader. John shared Laud's religious ideas. He spent a lot of money and effort to restore the church at Abbey Dore. This church was once part of a large monastery. John restored it in a grand style, following Laud's ideas. He also helped other churches and gave them money.

In 1623, John inherited his family's estate after his grandfather died. He was re-elected as an MP for Herefordshire in 1624. In 1628, King Charles I gave him the titles of Baron Dromore and Viscount Scudamore. These were Irish noble titles. He was also elected as an MP for Hereford in 1628. He served in Parliament until 1629, when King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for eleven years.

Ambassador to France

From 1635 to 1639, John Scudamore served as England's ambassador to France. An ambassador is a country's main representative in another country. While in France, he decorated the embassy's chapel in a style that caused some debate.

Later, another important person, the Earl of Leicester, was also sent to France as an ambassador. The Earl of Leicester had different political and religious views than Scudamore. Because they disagreed on many things, it was hard for them to work together on England's policies in France.

Role in the English Civil War

When John Scudamore returned to England, he was not very active at first. The English Civil War began in 1642, which was a conflict between King Charles I and Parliament. John was one of nine local leaders in Herefordshire who supported the King. These leaders were sometimes called the "Nine Worthies."

However, due to disagreements with another Royalist leader, Fitzwilliam Coningsby, the city of Hereford was taken by a small Parliamentarian force in 1643. John Scudamore was then sent to London and kept under house arrest until 1647. After the war ended and the King was restored to power, John Scudamore was able to return to his local duties.

Family and Legacy

In 1615, John Scudamore married Elizabeth Porter. She was the daughter of Sir Arthur Porter. A famous painter named Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger created a painting to celebrate their marriage.

John Scudamore passed away on May 19, 1671, at the age of 70. His son, James Scudamore (died 1668), had died before him. So, John's grandson, also named John Scudamore, inherited his titles and family estate.