Oliver Luke facts for kids

Sir Oliver Luke (born 1574, died around 1651) was an important English politician. He lived in places like Woodend, Cople, and Hawnes in Bedfordshire. Sir Oliver was a member of the House of Commons of England, which is like one of the main parts of the government, from 1614 to 1648.

Early Life and Education

Oliver Luke was born in a town called Cople in Bedfordshire. His father was Sir Nicholas Luke, and his mother was Margaret St John. Oliver went to King's College, Cambridge, which is a famous university. After that, he studied law at a place called the Middle Temple starting in 1592. In 1603, he was given the special title of "Knight" by the King. He took over his father's estates in 1613.

A Career in Parliament

In 1614, Sir Oliver Luke was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bedfordshire. This was during a time known as the Addled Parliament. In 1617, he also served as the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, a local official for the King.

He was elected to Parliament many times after that. However, King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for a while, starting in 1629. Sir Oliver was elected again when Parliament met briefly in April 1640, which was called the Short Parliament. He was then elected again in November 1640 for the Long Parliament.

Sir Oliver strongly supported the Parliament's side during the English Civil War. But in 1648, soldiers removed some members from Parliament, including Sir Oliver. This event was known as Pride's Purge.

Family Life

Sir Oliver Luke married Elizabeth Knightley in 1599. She was the daughter of Sir Valentine Knightley. Later, around 1616, he married Maud Trenchard. Sir Oliver had at least three sons and one daughter. One of his sons, Samuel Luke, also became a Member of Parliament.

Sir Oliver Luke likely passed away around the age of 76, not long after he was removed from Parliament.