Philip Howard (died 1686) facts for kids

Sir Philip Howard (born around 1631 – died April 1686) was an important English soldier and politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, between 1659 and 1679.

Philip Howard was the son of Sir William Howard. His family lived at Naworth Castle in a place called Cumberland.

Early Career and Parliament

In 1659, Philip Howard was first chosen as a Member of Parliament (MP) for a town called Malton. This was during a time known as the Third Protectorate Parliament.

He became a captain in the Life Guards in January 1660. The Life Guards were a special group of soldiers who protected important people. He stayed in this role until he died.

In March 1660, he helped organize the local army, called the militia, in Yorkshire. The next month, April 1660, he was elected MP for Malton again. This time it was for the Convention Parliament.

Meeting the King and New Roles

As a leader of a group of soldiers known as Monck's guards, Philip Howard had the important job of meeting the King at Dover. This happened in May 1660. On May 27, 1660, the King made him a knight, giving him the title "Sir."

From July 1660 until his death, he worked as a J.P. for North Yorkshire. A J.P. helps keep law and order in a local area. He also helped with local taxes and water systems in Westminster.

In 1661, he was elected MP for Carlisle. This was for a long-lasting government group called the Cavalier Parliament. He continued to help with local taxes in Cumberland and Carlisle for many years. He also served as a J.P. for Westminster and a Deputy Lieutenant for Kent. A Deputy Lieutenant helps the main leader of a county.

Business and Later Life

Sir Philip Howard was also involved in business. He worked with a man named Francis Watson on a new idea. They invented a way to cover the bottom of ships with lead. This was to protect the ships. They received a special permission, called a patent, for 14 years in 1668. They even tried to get it extended for 31 years!

From 1671 to 1674, he collected a special tax called the hearth-tax in Kent. This tax was paid based on the number of fireplaces in a home. He also managed taxes on goods in South Wales.

He continued his work as a J.P. for Kent. In 1674, he even served with the French army for a short time. In 1677, he joined the Royal Fishery Company, which was involved in fishing.

He was re-elected as MP for Carlisle two more times in 1679. Sir Philip Howard also owned a large farm, called a plantation, in Jamaica. In 1685, he was chosen to be the governor of Jamaica.

Death and Family

Sir Philip Howard passed away in England in April 1686. He was about 56 years old. He was buried in a very famous place, Westminster Abbey.

He married Elizabeth Baker in 1668. She was a widow and the daughter of Sir Robert Newton. They had one son together. Sir Philip Howard was also the brother of Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Carlisle, another important person in history.