Richard Aldworth (Parliamentarian) facts for kids

Richard Aldworth was an important English politician who lived a long time ago. He was involved in the government during a big conflict called the English Civil War. He supported the side known as the Roundheads, who were against the King and supported the Parliament.

Who Was Richard Aldworth?

Richard Aldworth was a key figure in the city of Bristol, England. He held several important jobs there before becoming a national politician. His work helped shape Bristol during a very busy time in English history.

Early Roles in Bristol

Aldworth started his career by serving his local city, Bristol. He was an alderman, which was a senior member of the city council. He also held the roles of Sheriff and Mayor of Bristol.

What is an Alderman?

An alderman was like a senior city council member. They helped make decisions about how the city was run. Richard Aldworth was an alderman in Bristol.

What is a Sheriff or Mayor?

The Sheriff of Bristol was a powerful local official, like a chief law enforcer for the city. Richard Aldworth was Sheriff in 1627. Later, in 1642, he became the Mayor of Bristol. The Mayor is the head of the city government.

During the English Civil War, things were complicated. In 1643, Parliament chose him to be part of a special committee for Bristol. This committee helped Parliament manage the city. He was made an alderman again by Parliament in 1645.

Serving in Parliament

In January 1646, Richard Aldworth was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bristol. He served in a group called the Long Parliament. He stayed an MP until 1653.

What is a Member of Parliament?

A Member of Parliament, or MP, is someone elected to represent their area in the country's main government body, the House of Commons. This is where laws are made and important decisions for the country are discussed.

In 1649, Aldworth was given a special task. He helped create rules for protecting trees in the Forest of Dean. These trees were important for building ships and other things. In 1655, he also helped organize the local army, known as the militia, for Bristol.

Family Life

Richard Aldworth married a woman named Mary Doughty. Her father, John Doughty, was also a Mayor of Bristol and supported Parliament. Richard and Mary had children, including a son named Robert Aldworth. Robert later followed in his father's footsteps and also became a Member of Parliament for Bristol.