Philip Skippon (1641–1691) facts for kids

Sir Philip Skippon (born October 28, 1641 – died August 7, 1691) was an English traveler, writer, and landowner. He was also a Member of Parliament (MP) and a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group for important scientists. Philip lived in places like Foulsham, Norfolk, and Wrentham and Edwardstone in Suffolk.

Sir Philip Skippon: Explorer and MP

Early Life and Education

Philip Skippon was born in Hackney, England, on October 28, 1641. His father was Major-General Philip Skippon, a famous soldier. His father led troops in the New Model Army during the English Civil War. Philip's mother was Maria Comes, whom his father married in the Netherlands.

Young Philip went to Trinity College, Cambridge, and earned his degree in 1660. When his father passed away in 1661, Philip inherited a lot of land and money. He also joined Gray's Inn in 1662, which was a place where people studied to become lawyers.

Exciting European Adventures

From 1663 to 1666, Philip went on long trips across Europe. He visited countries like Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. He traveled with John Ray, a scientist who studied nature, and other friends.

When they returned, Philip wrote a book about their adventures. It described the places they saw, old buildings, and ancient writings. John Ray later dedicated his own book to Philip. He said Philip could confirm everything he wrote because they had traveled together. In 1664, in Naples, Philip and John Ray sailed to Sicily. Their friends went back north to Rome.

A Member of Parliament

Philip Skippon became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1667. This was a big honor for his scientific work. He was also knighted in 1675, which meant he was given the title "Sir."

Philip kept a diary from 1667 to 1677. In it, he wrote about seeing the Battle of Sole Bay. In March 1679, Philip became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Dunwich. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's government. He chose not to run for election in 1685 but became an MP again in 1689. He was re-elected in 1690 and died in 1691 while still an MP. He was buried in Kedington.

His Family and Legacy

Sir Philip Skippon was married twice. His first wife was Amy, whom he married in 1669. She passed away in 1676. His second wife was Anne.

In his will, written in 1688, Philip mentioned his son Philip and his two daughters, Mary and Anne. He also mentioned his sister, Dame Susanna Meredith. Mary received a portrait of her grandfather, Major-General Skippon, set in gold. She also got fancy dishes, old gold coins, and special books. Anne received a portrait of Philip's second wife, her share of the fancy dishes, gold coins, and bracelets made of a special stone called bloodstone. She also got books and toys from "the girls' closet."

His son, also named Philip, received the main inheritance. He got his collection of medals and a chest of fancy linen cloth. Philip appointed his brother-in-law, Sir Thomas Barnardiston, and Sir Joseph Brand as the people to make sure his will was followed. Sir Joseph Brand is believed to have married Mary Skippon. Philip's son, Philip Skippon (1675-1716), also became an MP for Sudbury later on.