Ralph Clare facts for kids

Sir Ralph Clare (born 1589, died 1670) was an important English gentleman who worked for the King and was also a politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament, at different times between 1614 and 1628.

Sir Ralph Clare's Story

Early Life and Education

Ralph Clare was the oldest son of Sir Francis Clare. His father lived in a place called Caldwell in Worcestershire and passed away in 1608.

Ralph started studying at Hart Hall, Oxford when he was about 10 years old in 1597. He then earned a degree from St John's College, Oxford in 1601. Later, in 1602, he became a student at the Middle Temple, which was a place where people learned to become lawyers.

Working for the Royal Family

Sir Ralph worked for Prince Henry, who was the son of King James I. He served the Prince from around 1606 until the Prince sadly died in 1612.

After this, Sir Ralph began his career in politics. In 1614, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Droitwich. He was elected again for Droitwich in 1621.

Royal Jobs and Titles

King James I gave Sir Ralph some special jobs. He was made the Keeper of Bewdley Park and also the Keeper of the deer at Twickenham. These were important roles looking after royal lands and animals.

Sir Ralph continued his political work. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Bewdley in 1624 and again in 1625.

When King Charles I became king, Sir Ralph received a special honor. He was made a Knight of the Order of the Bath in 1626. He was re-elected as MP for Bewdley in 1626 and 1628. He stayed in Parliament until 1629, when King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for eleven years.

Sir Ralph was also a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber for King Charles I. This meant he was a close attendant to the King. In 1636, he became the first person to hold the job of steward for Kidderminster.

During the English Civil War

In 1640, Sir Ralph was again elected to represent Bewdley in a new Parliament called the Long Parliament. However, his election was later cancelled.

Even though he didn't fight in the English Civil War for the King, he was still seen as a supporter of the King. Because of this, he faced penalties from the Parliament's side. In 1646, he was asked to pay a large sum of money, £1000. When he didn't pay, his property was taken over (this was called being "sequestered") in 1648. He was finally cleared in 1650 after he paid his fine.

In 1651, Sir Ralph joined the Royalist army that supported Charles II. This army was defeated at the Battle of Worcester. Sir Ralph was captured and put in Worcester prison in 1655. He was later released and went to live in exile with King Charles II.

After the King Returned

When King Charles II returned to England and became king again (this was called the Restoration), Sir Ralph was once more made a Gentleman of the King's Privy Chamber.

He also became a Justice of the Peace for Worcester in 1660. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area. For his loyalty and service to the kings, he was given £3000 in 1660 and another £3000 in 1664. These payments were also to help him after the difficulties he faced during the Civil War.

Sir Ralph tried to become a Member of Parliament for Bewdley again in 1661, but he was not successful.

Later Life and Death

Sir Ralph Clare never married. He passed away when he was 82 years old. He was buried at St Mary and All Saints' Church, Kidderminster on April 23, 1670.