Ralph Goodwin facts for kids

Ralph Goodwin was an English politician who lived a long time ago, around the 1600s. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government that helps make laws. He served there between 1624 and 1644. Ralph Goodwin supported the King during the English Civil War, a big conflict in England at that time. People who supported the King were called Royalists.

Who Was Ralph Goodwin?

Ralph Goodwin started his studies at Trinity College, Cambridge in 1608. This means he officially joined the university. He was a very good student, known as a "scholar." He earned his first university degree (a Bachelor of Arts, or BA) in 1612. Later, in 1615, he earned a higher degree (a Master of Arts, or MA). In the same year, he also joined Oxford University. People said he was a very smart writer and a great poet.

Goodwin's Time in Parliament

In 1624, Ralph Goodwin was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for a town called Ludlow. He was re-elected several times, serving in 1625, 1626, and 1628. He kept his seat until 1629. At that time, King Charles I decided to rule England without Parliament for eleven years.

Parliament was called back in April 1640, for what was known as the Short Parliament. Ralph Goodwin was again elected as the MP for Ludlow. He was re-elected later that year, in November 1640, for the Long Parliament. However, because he supported the King during the English Civil War, he was removed from Parliament in February 1644.

Ralph Goodwin's Family Life

Ralph Goodwin was married twice. His first wife was Dorothy Long. Her father was Sir Walter Long. In 1630, Ralph Goodwin made sure that his property, a place called Cowarne, would go to Dorothy.

Later, in 1646, he married his second wife, Elizabeth Brabazon. Her father was Wallop Brabazon.

After Ralph Goodwin passed away, there was a discussion about who should inherit his property. In his will, he left Cowarne to his brothers, John and Thomas Smith. He also mentioned his brother Sir Thurston Smith and a nephew of his old tutor from Trinity College, Dr. Samuel Heron. There was a claim that he was not legally born, which would mean his property might go to the King instead of his family. However, a note from that time says he was indeed legally born in Ipswich.