John Stapley facts for kids

Sir John Stapley, 1st Baronet of Patcham (1628–1701) was an English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, at different times between 1654 and 1679. Sir John supported the King, a group known as Royalists. He joined a secret group called the Sealed Knot to plan against Oliver Cromwell, who was then leading England. Their goal was to bring King Charles II of England back to the throne. However, when he was questioned by Cromwell's supporters, he shared details about the plot and the people involved. After King Charles II was restored to power in 1660, Sir John was given the special title of baronet.

Early Life and Family Background

Sir John Stapley was born in 1628 and was baptized at Patcham on June 29. He was the second son of Anthony Stapley of Patcham, but became the eldest surviving son. His mother was Ann Goring. Her father was George Goring, and her brother was George, Lord Goring.

Sir John's father, Anthony Stapley, had been involved in the trial and execution of King Charles I of England. He was also part of the government that ruled England after the King's death, known as the Commonwealth.

Political Career and Royalist Plot

In 1654, Sir John Stapley was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Sussex. This was during the First Protectorate Parliament. In January 1656, he was given the role of Deputy Lieutenant of Sussex. He was elected again as an MP for Sussex in 1656 for the Second Protectorate Parliament.

Around 1657, Sir John changed his political views. He no longer agreed with his father's ideas. Instead, he became involved in a secret plan to bring King Charles II back to the throne. He met with Dr. John Hewett and Lord Mordaunt at his grandmother's house. Sir John said he was eager to risk his life and money to help restore the King.

In June 1657, he received special papers from the exiled King. These papers allowed him to gather a group of horsemen and appoint six colonels. People thought he had a lot of influence in the county and he promised strong support for the King's side.

However, there were doubts about whether he could carry out all his plans. In the spring of 1658, he was caught by Cromwell's forces because someone else involved in the plot betrayed him. When questioned, Sir John revealed details about the plan. This led to the arrest of Hewett, Mordaunt, and Sir Henry Slingsby. Surprisingly, Cromwell only gave him a warning and let him go. This might have been because of Cromwell's friendship with Sir John's father.

Sir John Stapley appeared as a witness against Lord Mordaunt at his trial in July 1658. According to historical accounts, he answered in a very confused way, making it seem like he wished he didn't have to speak. His younger brother, Anthony, was also involved in the plot and shared full details when questioned in April 1658.

Restoration and Later Life

In 1660, Sir John Stapley was elected as an MP for Lewes in the Convention Parliament. When King Charles II was restored to the throne, Sir John managed to gain the King's favor. He was given the title of baronet on July 28, 1660.

In 1661, he was re-elected as an MP for Lewes in the Cavalier Parliament. After this, he seems to have lived a more private life in Sussex. Sir John Stapley passed away in 1701. When he died, his baronetcy title ended because he had no surviving sons.

Family Life

Sir John Stapley married Mary Springett, who was born in 1634. She was the eldest daughter of Sir Herbert Springett of Broyle Place in Ringmer, Sussex. They had two sons, but both of them died before Sir John. They also had several daughters. His wife, Mary, lived until 1708.