John Trevor (1596–1673) facts for kids

Sir John Trevor II (1596–1673) was an important Welsh landowner and politician. He lived during a time of big changes in England, including the English Civil War. Sir John was a Puritan, which meant he had strong religious beliefs. He supported the Parliamentarian side during the war, which was against the King. He was also a member of the government called the Council of State during the time England was a Commonwealth (when it had no king).

Early Life and Political Beginnings

John Trevor was born on August 21, 1596, at Oatlands Palace. His father, Sir John Trevor I, had an important job managing the navy for Queen Elizabeth I and King James I.

In 1619, John Trevor II was given the special title of "Sir." Soon after, he became a Member of Parliament (MP). This meant people elected him to represent them in the House of Commons, which is a part of the government. He was an MP for different areas, including Denbighshire and Flintshire.

From 1628 to 1629, he was an MP for Great Bedwyn. But then, King Charles I decided to rule the country without Parliament for eleven years. During this time, Sir John Trevor II still worked for the King on special committees. He also made a lot of money from jobs that paid well but didn't require much work. For example, he earned money from taxes on coal from Newcastle. He also inherited two large homes, Plas Teg and Trevalyn Hall.

The English Civil War and Beyond

In 1640, Sir John Trevor II was elected an MP again for Grampound. When the Civil War began, he chose to support Parliament against King Charles I. He was very committed to the Parliamentarian cause. He even supported the trial of the King.

Because of his strong support for Parliament, he remained an important figure in the government after the King was overthrown. He was seen as a voice for North Wales in many of the new government groups. He was chosen twice to be part of the Council of State, which was like the main governing body. He also served on the Committee of Both Kingdoms, another important group.

However, when Cromwell became the leader of England (known as the Protectorate) in 1653, Sir John Trevor was not part of Cromwell's smaller, main council. Still, in 1656, he was elected an MP for Arundel. He even suggested that Cromwell should become King. Sir John was related to Cromwell through his son's marriage. In 1659, he was elected MP for Steyning.

After the War: The Restoration

After Cromwell's son, Richard Cromwell, lost power, Sir John Trevor supported the return of the King. This event is known as the Restoration of King Charles II. Because he supported the new King, Sir John was not punished for his earlier support of Parliament. He even received a special pardon from the King in 1660.

However, Sir John had invested a lot of his money during the Commonwealth period. He had bought land that was taken from people who supported the King. When King Charles II returned, these lands were given back to their original owners. This meant Sir John Trevor lost a lot of the money he had invested.

Family Life

Sir John Trevor II had a son, also named Sir John Trevor (1626–1672). His son also became an MP and served alongside his father during the Commonwealth. After the King returned, his son became a very important government official, serving as Secretary of State in 1668.