Maurice Berkeley (Gloucestershire MP) facts for kids

Sir Maurice Berkeley (1599–1654) was an important English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament, during the early 1600s. He was a strong supporter of the King, King Charles I, during the English Civil War. People who supported the King were often called Royalists.

Sir Maurice Berkeley: A Royalist Politician

Sir Maurice Berkeley was born in 1599. His father was Richard Berkeley, who lived in Stoke Gifford and Rendcomb in Gloucestershire. His father was also a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to represent his area in the government.

His Time in Parliament

Maurice Berkeley followed in his father's footsteps. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) himself.

Representing Gloucestershire

In 1621, Berkeley was chosen as the MP for Gloucestershire. On 11 September 1621, he was made a knight at Whitehall. This was a special honor given by the King. He was re-elected as MP for Gloucestershire in 1624 and again in 1625. In 1626, he was elected as the MP for Great Bedwyn.

Supporting the King

During the English Civil War, Sir Maurice Berkeley supported King Charles I. This war was a big fight between the King and Parliament. Berkeley later said he felt he had to support the King because he lived close to Bristol, an important city. After the King's side lost the war, people who had supported the King often had to pay money to the winning side. In 1647, Sir Maurice Berkeley had to pay a large fine. He paid different amounts over a few years to settle this.

Later Life and Family

Sir Maurice Berkeley passed away in 1654. He was buried at Stoke Gifford on 3 January 1655.

He was married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Coke. She was the daughter of Sir Edward Coke from Stoke Poges. His second wife was Mary Tipping. She was the daughter of Sir George Tipping from Wheatfield, Oxfordshire.