Lislebone Long facts for kids
Sir Lislebone Long (1613–1659) was an important person during the English Civil War. He supported the Parliamentary side. He was a Presbyterian, a type of Christian. He did not agree with some of the actions taken by Parliament, like Pride's Purge. After King Charles I was executed, Sir Lislebone became a very active member of the parliaments under Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell, who was the Lord Protector, even made him a knight.
About Lislebone Long
Lislebone Long was born in 1613 in Beckington, Somerset. His birth name was actually 'Loveban'. His father was William Long and his mother was Mary Lovibond. He went to Magdalen Hall, Oxford, and finished his studies in 1631. Later, he became a lawyer at Lincoln's Inn in 1640.
Long came from a well-known family in Wiltshire. He shared many ideas with his relative, Sir Walter Long, 1st Baronet of Whaddon. Sir Walter was known for speaking out against the King. Like his cousin, Lislebone was a Presbyterian. He became a leader in Parliament's church system. In 1648, he joined a committee that helped set up the church government in England.
His Role in Parliament
Lislebone Long was known for being a moderate person in politics. This means he often tried to find middle ground. He was elected to the Long Parliament in 1645, representing Wells. He strongly disagreed with Pride's Purge in 1648. This event removed many members from Parliament. He even left the House of Commons for a short time to show his protest.
However, he later returned to the Rump Parliament. He did not take part in the trial or execution of King Charles I. From then on, he was very active in Parliament's committees. His moderate views helped shape government policies.
Long often spoke in parliamentary debates. He was an MP for Wells in the First Protectorate Parliament (1654–1655). Then, he represented Somerset in the Second Protectorate Parliament (1656–1658). He was again an MP for Wells in Richard Cromwell's parliament in 1659. People at the time described him as a "sober, discreet gentleman, and a good lawyer." He often gave smart advice on laws and rules during Parliament meetings.
Important Positions
Lislebone Long was highly respected in his local area. He became a Justice of the Peace for Somerset from 1654 to 1659. In 1655, he was elected Recorder of London. This was a very important legal job. Oliver Cromwell knighted him in 1656. That same year, he became the treasurer of Lincoln's Inn. He also served as a Master of Requests and a Commissioner of Treasons.
In March 1659, the Speaker of Parliament, Chaloner Chute, became very ill. This happened after many long debates. Sir Lislebone Long was chosen by everyone in the House to take over as Speaker. This showed how much respect he had. Sadly, just one week later, on March 16, Long himself became very sick. He died that same day. He was buried at Stratton on the Fosse. His estate included lands that Parliament had taken from royalists.
His Family
Sir Lislebone Long married Frances Mynne on February 18, 1640, in London. Frances was the daughter of John Mynne of Epsom. They had two sons and two daughters. Frances died in 1691.
