Peter Courtney (MP) facts for kids
Sir Peter Courtney (born around 1616 – died around April 1670) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a main part of the government, in both 1640 and 1660. During the English Civil War, he supported the King as a Royalist.
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Early Life and Education
Sir Peter Courtney was born in Cornwall, England, around 1616. His father was Edward Courtney, and his mother was Elizabeth Gorges.
When he was 16 years old, in 1633, Peter Courtney started studying at Exeter College, Oxford, a famous university. A few years later, in 1636, he joined Lincoln's Inn, which is a place where people study to become lawyers. After his studies, he settled in a place called Trethurfe in Cornwall.
A Career in Politics
Sir Peter Courtney became involved in politics at a young age.
Serving in Parliament
In April 1640, Peter Courtney was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for a place called Mitchell. This was for a short meeting of Parliament.
Later, in 1660, he was again elected as a Member of Parliament. This time, he represented Tregony in a special meeting called the Convention Parliament.
Supporting the King
Sir Peter Courtney was a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War. In 1642, he made a risky journey from Cornwall to York to tell the King that the people of Cornwall were loyal. Because of this brave act, the King made him a knight on June 28, 1642. This meant he was now called "Sir Peter."
During the war, he fought under another important leader, Sir Bevil Grenville. After the war, when the King's side lost, Sir Peter had to pay a large fine of £346 in 1648. He said he lost about £7,000 and was put in prison many times during the time when England was not ruled by a king.
Later Life and Family
After the King returned to power in 1660, Sir Peter Courtney hoped to get back some of what he had lost. He was briefly given the right to collect taxes on tin in Cornwall, but this was later taken away because someone else had an older claim.
In 1665, he asked for a regular payment, called a pension, because of all the money and trouble he had faced supporting the King. However, he never received it. Sir Peter Courtney passed away around April 1670.
Family Life
Sir Peter Courtney was married twice. His first wife was Alice Rashleigh. Together, they had one son and four daughters.
His second wife was Amy Courtney. With Amy, he had another son named William and a daughter named Alice. His daughter Alice later married Humphrey Courtney.
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