Owen Buckingham (died 1713) facts for kids

Sir Owen Buckingham (born around 1649 – died 20 March 1713) was an important English businessman and politician. He served as an alderman, a Member of Parliament (MP), and even became the Lord Mayor of London.

Sir Owen Buckingham: A City Leader

Sir Owen Buckingham was born in Stanwell, Middlesex, which is near London. His father, George Buckingham, was an innkeeper. Owen grew up to become a successful merchant.

Early Business Life

By 1680, Owen Buckingham was a member of the Butchers’ Company in the City of London. This was a powerful group for merchants. Later, by 1692, he also joined the Salter's Company. Being part of these companies showed he was a respected and active businessman in the city.

Rising in London Politics

Sir Owen Buckingham became very involved in the government of London.

• He was a common councilman for London from 1689 to 1690, and again from 1691 to 1696. A common councilman helped make decisions for the city.
• From 1696 until he died, he served as an alderman. An alderman was a senior leader in the city government.
• In 1695, he was chosen as Sheriff of London. The Sheriff was an important official responsible for law and order.
• He was knighted in the same year, which meant he was given the title "Sir" by the King.
• The biggest honor came in 1704 when he was elected Lord Mayor of London. This was the highest position in the city's government.
• In 1697, he was also a Colonel in the Blue Regiment, London Trained Bands. This was a local military group that helped keep order in London.

Serving in Parliament

Sir Owen Buckingham also became a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's main government, called Parliament.

• He was elected MP for Reading in 1698. He won this election because he promised to help make sailcloth in the town, which would create jobs.
• He was re-elected as MP for Reading in 1701, 1702, and 1705.
• In 1708, he gave up his seat in Parliament. His son, also named Owen Buckingham, then took his place as the MP for Reading.

Wealth and Family

Sir Owen Buckingham became very wealthy through his hard work and smart business choices. He also made good marriages, which helped him gain more money and property. By 1706, he bought large estates near Reading in Berkshire. These estates were called the Fettiplace family estates at Earley.

Sir Owen Buckingham passed away in 1713. He had been married six times. However, only one son, Owen, and two daughters from his first marriage survived him.