John Strangways (died 1666) facts for kids
Sir John Strangways (born September 27, 1585 – died December 30, 1666) was an important English politician. He lived at Melbury House in Melbury Sampford, Somerset, and also at Abbotsbury in Dorset. Sir John was a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years between 1614 and 1666. He was a strong supporter of the King, known as a Royalist, during the English Civil War.
Who Was Sir John Strangways?
Sir John Strangways was born on September 27, 1585. He was the second son of John Strangways (who lived from about 1548 to 1593). His father was the High Sheriff of Dorset. Sir John's mother was Dorothy Thynne. Her father was Sir John Thynne, who built the famous Longleat House in Wiltshire.
His Political Journey
Sir John Strangways began his public service as the High Sheriff of Dorset in 1612. In 1614, he was first elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Dorset. He was re-elected for Dorset in 1621 and 1624.
Later, in 1625, he became an MP for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis. He was re-elected for Weymouth in 1626. In 1628, he was elected MP for Dorset again. He served until 1629, when King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for eleven years.
In April 1640, Strangways was re-elected MP for Weymouth in the Short Parliament. He was elected again for the Long Parliament in November 1640. He strongly supported King Charles I during the English Civil War. Because of his support for the King, he was removed from Parliament in September 1642.
In 1645, Sir John was captured at Sherborne Castle. He was then sent to the Tower of London. He was allowed to pay a fine to be set free. He offered £7,000, but this was refused. He was finally released in 1648. His son, Giles Strangways, had to stay as a hostage until the fine was paid. After the King returned to power, Sir John was elected MP for Weymouth again in 1661. He remained an MP until he passed away in 1666.
Family Life
Sir John Strangways was married twice.
- His first marriage was before 1607 to Grace Trenchard. She passed away in 1652. They had three sons and three daughters.
- Their eldest son was Giles Strangways (1615-1675). He also became an MP and was a Royalist during the English Civil War.
- One of their daughters was Howarda Strangways. She married Edward Rogers. Later, in 1624, she married Sir Lewis Dyve, who was also an MP.
- His second marriage was on June 8, 1653, to Judith Throckmorton. She was the widow of Thomas Edwards. Sir John and Judith did not have any children together.
Death
Sir John Strangways died when he was 81 years old.
