Maurice Ashley (MP) facts for kids

Maurice Ashley (born 1675, died 1726) was an English politician. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years. He served in both the English and British Parliaments between 1695 and 1713. Maurice Ashley was part of the Whig political group.

Early Life and Education

Maurice Ashley was born in 1675. He was the third son of Lord Ashley. His father later became the Earl of Shaftesbury. Maurice went to Winchester College from about 1682 to 1689. After his time there, his brother suggested he study with a private tutor in Utrecht. This helped him improve his education.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Maurice Ashley became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis in 1695. He was still very young at the time. His father's influence helped him get elected without anyone running against him. He did not seek re-election in 1698. After his father passed away, his brother, the 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury, gave him an estate that provided £1,000 a year.

Political Career Highlights

Ashley was elected as an MP for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis again in January 1701. Later that year, in November/December, he was elected for two different areas: Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, and Wiltshire. On January 20, 1702, he chose to represent Wiltshire. However, he lost the next election a few months later.

In 1705, Maurice Ashley was successfully re-elected as a Whig MP for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis. He voted for the Speaker of the House on October 25, 1705. However, he was not very active in Parliament during this time.

He was re-elected as a Whig MP in 1708. In 1709, he supported a law to allow people from Palatine (a region in Germany) to become British citizens. In 1710, he voted to remove Dr. Sacheverell from his position. Ashley was elected again in 1710. He voted on important issues, like the motion for "No Peace Without Spain" in December 1711. He also voted against a bill about trade with France in June 1713. He decided not to run for election in 1713.

Later Life

Maurice Ashley married Catherine Popple in 1709. She was the daughter of a merchant named William Popple. Catherine passed away in 1721, and they did not have any children. Maurice Ashley died in 1726. He was buried in Purton, Wiltshire.