Paul Foley (ironmaster) facts for kids
Paul Foley (born around 1644 or 1645, died November 13, 1699) was an important person in English history. People also knew him as "Speaker Foley." He was the second son of Thomas Foley, a famous ironmaster from the Midlands.
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Running Iron Businesses
In the early 1670s, Paul Foley took charge of his father's ironworks. These were factories that made things from iron, located near the Forest of Dean. He ran these businesses until 1685. Then, he rented them out to John Wheeler and Richard Avenant. These two men had already managed ironworks for Paul's brother, Philip Foley.
In 1692, Paul and his brother Philip joined forces with John Wheeler and his brother, Richard. They worked together in the iron business. This partnership continued even after Paul Foley passed away.
Building a Home and Estate
Paul Foley had a lot of money from his father and from his own iron businesses. This allowed him to buy a large area of land and property around Stoke Edith in Herefordshire. Some of this land still belongs to his family today.
In 1670, his father helped him buy Stoke Edith from Sir Henry Lingen. Later, in 1683, Paul bought more property from Sir Thomas Cooke. He rebuilt the main house at Stoke Edith. He also designed beautiful gardens and a large park around the house. He even got special permission from the King to create this park.
A Career in Politics
Paul Foley became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Hereford in 1679. He was elected again for the same area in 1689. He strongly supported the idea of stopping the Duke of York from becoming king. This was part of a big political debate called the Exclusion crisis.
Because of his political views, he was put in prison during the Rye House Plot and again during the Monmouth Rebellion. However, King James II later showed him favor when the King himself faced difficulties.
During the rule of King William III, Paul Foley often disagreed with the King's government. He led a group of politicians called the "Country Whigs" along with his nephew, Robert Harley.
In the early 1690s, Paul Foley served on several important committees in the Parliament. He was also a commissioner of accounts, which meant he helped check government spending.
On March 14, 1695, he was chosen to be the Speaker of the House of Commons. This is a very important job, like being the leader of the Parliament's debates. He held this position until he died.
Paul Foley was a Presbyterian, which is a type of Protestant Christian. Like his family members, he used his right to choose clergy for churches in the Church of England. He often chose ministers who shared his Presbyterian beliefs.
Paul Foley's Family
Paul Foley married Mary, who was the daughter of Alderman John Lane from London. Their oldest son was named Thomas Foley. Their younger son, also named Paul, was also an MP for a short time.
Family Coat of Arms
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