Nathaniel Whetham facts for kids

Nathaniel Whetham (born 1604, died 1668) was an English baker who became an important politician. He served in the English Parliament and fought for the Parliament's side in the English Civil War.

Nathaniel Whetham: A Brave Leader

Early Life and Baking Career

Nathaniel Whetham was born in 1604 and was baptised in Burstock. His parents were Thomas Whetham and Dorothy Hooper. When he was young, Nathaniel became an apprentice to Edward Terrill, a baker in London. Edward Terrill baked for the Inner Temple, which was a place where lawyers worked and lived.

By 1632, Nathaniel had finished his training. He became a steward for the Worshipful Company of Bakers, which was a group for bakers. He also joined a group called the "Company of the Plough." This group wanted to move to land in South-East Maine, in America. They had a special permission from Sir Ferdinando Gorges to do this. However, their plan did not work out, so Nathaniel stayed in England and continued his baking trade.

Fighting in the English Civil War

When the English Civil War began, Nathaniel Whetham joined the City of London's local army, called the militia. He became a major of dragoons, which were soldiers who rode horses but fought on foot. He also became a captain of one of their companies, working under Colonel Richard Browne.

Governor of Northampton

Nathaniel and his soldiers were sent near Aylesbury. Later, he was made Governor of Northampton. For about four or five years, he held this town for the Parliament. In October 1643, he successfully stopped an attack by Prince Rupert, a Royalist leader. Prince Rupert had many soldiers and horses, but Nathaniel pushed them back.

Nathaniel also led night raids on Royalist troops along Watling Street. In April 1644, he helped rescue over thirty Parliament soldiers from Banbury Castle. In August 1644, people called him a "Commander in chiefe" and said he was "valiant and faithful" during the first siege of Banbury Castle. He stayed in Northampton for most of the next three years and was also part of the second siege of Banbury Castle.

Leading Portsmouth and Becoming an MP

In September 1649, Nathaniel Whetham was sent to Portsmouth to be its Governor. His first job was to fix the town's defenses. He also had to organize the armed forces and create a local army for Hampshire, which he commanded himself. He was also made a Justice of the Peace for Hampshire, meaning he helped keep law and order.

In 1654, Nathaniel was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Portsmouth. This was for the First Protectorate Parliament. Around this time, he met and became friends with General George Monck. General Monck was based in Portsmouth. In 1655, Nathaniel went to Scotland with Monck and joined Monck's Council of State for Scotland.

In 1656, Nathaniel was elected as an MP again. This time, he represented a group of towns in Scotland for the Second Protectorate Parliament. He returned to Portsmouth in March 1657. He wrote to the Committee of Safety, saying that everything in Portsmouth was well-managed. He was also chosen to be on the Committee of Safety, but it seems he did not attend many meetings. In 1659, he was elected MP for the Scottish towns again, for the Third Protectorate Parliament. During this time, there was a disagreement between Parliament and the army. The army tried to take Portsmouth, which was a strong hold for Parliament. Nathaniel finished his time as governor of Portsmouth in 1659.

Later Years and Challenges

After leaving Portsmouth, Nathaniel Whetham joined General Monck, who was marching towards London from the north. Because of his help, Nathaniel was given a yearly payment of £200. He also received the right to keep his lands and even have his own group of soldiers.

However, when King Charles II returned to power, this period was called the Restoration. Nathaniel's group of soldiers was given to someone else. Also, King Charles II and Parliament decided to cancel the sale of church lands. Nathaniel had bought the manor of Chard from these sales. He had to leave his large home and move to a smaller rented place on the estate. He lived there until he died in 1668, when he was about 64 years old.

Nathaniel Whetham was married to Joanna Terrill. She was the widow of his old master, Edward Terrill.