Maynard Colchester facts for kids

Maynard Colchester (born 4 March 1665 – died 1715) was an important English politician and lawyer. He came from Westbury Court and served in the English Parliament from 1701 to 1708.

Early Life and Family

Maynard Colchester was the oldest son of Sir Duncombe Colchester and Elizabeth Maynard. His father owned Westbury Court and a place called the Wilderness.

Maynard went to Exeter College, Oxford in 1681 to study. He then trained to be a lawyer at Middle Temple in 1682. By 1689, he was qualified to work as a lawyer.

In 1690, Maynard Colchester married Jane Clarke. Her father was Sir Edward Clarke from London. Maynard took over his father's estates in 1694.

Military Service

Maynard Colchester also had a military role. In 1697, he became a Colonel. He led the Red Regiment of Gloucestershire Militia at St Briavels. A militia was a group of citizens trained to help defend their area.

Public Service and Politics

Maynard Colchester was involved in many important groups. In 1699, he joined the SPCK. This was a society that helped spread Christian knowledge. In 1701, he also helped start the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. This group worked to spread Christianity around the world.

In 1701, Maynard Colchester was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Gloucestershire. An MP is someone elected to represent their area in the country's government. He was re-elected in 1702 and 1705. He decided not to run for election in 1708.

After his time in Parliament, he took on other roles. Around 1709, he became a "verderer" for the Forest of Dean. A verderer was an officer who protected the forest and its animals. In 1710, he also became the deputy constable of St Briavels Castle in Gloucestershire.

Later Life and Legacy

Maynard Colchester passed away on 25 June 1715. He was buried in Westbury, Gloucestershire. A famous sculptor named Thomas Green made his tomb.

Maynard Colchester had two sons, but they both died before him. His daughter, Jane, married Thomas Morgan. She inherited land from her uncle, Thomas Clarke.