Oliver St John, 3rd Baron St John of Bletso facts for kids

Oliver St John, 3rd Baron St John of Bletso (around 1540–1618) was an important English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like today's Parliament, from 1588 until 1596. After that, he inherited a special title called a peerage, becoming the Baron St John of Bletso.

Who Was Oliver St John?

Oliver St John was the son of Oliver St John, 1st Baron St John of Bletso, and Agnes Fisher. He came from a well-known family.

Early Career and Public Service

Oliver St John held several important jobs during his life. In 1585, he was the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire. This role was like being the chief law enforcement officer for the county.

In 1588, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Bedfordshire. This meant he represented the people of Bedfordshire in the House of Commons, helping to make laws and decisions for the country. He became High Sheriff of Bedfordshire again in 1589. He was re-elected as an MP for Bedfordshire in 1593, showing that people trusted him to represent them.

Becoming a Baron

Oliver St John's older brother, John, passed away in 1596 without any sons. Because of this, Oliver inherited the title of Baron St John of Bletso. This meant he became a member of the nobility and gained a seat in the House of Lords, another part of Parliament.

From April 1597 until his death, he also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Huntingdonshire. This was a very important position, as he was the monarch's personal representative in that county.

Oliver St John's Family

Oliver St John married Dorothy Reid. They had a large family with eight sons and seven daughters. Many of his children went on to have important lives themselves.

Notable Children

• Oliver St John, 1st Earl of Bolingbroke (1580?–1646): He was the eldest son and inherited his father's title. He later became the Earl of Bolingbroke, an even higher noble rank.
• Sir Anthony St John (c.1585 – by 1651)
• Sir Alexander St John (d. 1657)
• Sir Rowland St John (1588–1645)
• Sir Henry St John (1590–1642)
• Sir Beauchamp St John (1594–1667)
• Dorothy St John (d. 1632): She married Edward Bourchier, 4th Earl of Bath.

Five of his sons, besides the eldest, also became Members of Parliament, following in their father's footsteps.