Richard Beke facts for kids
Richard Beke (born 1630, died 1707) was an English politician. He lived in Westminster and Dinton, Buckinghamshire. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for several areas. These included Elgin and Nairn in 1656, Amersham in 1659, Aylesbury in 1689, and Wendover in 1690, 1695, and 1698.
About Richard Beke
Richard Beke was the son of Henry Beke and Frances Billyard. His father, Henry, was a sheriff and part of the parliament committee for their county.
It is thought that Richard Beke might have owned land in Yorkshire. He may also have had a military role there. He was named a visitor of a college set up by Oliver Cromwell in Durham.
Richard Cromwell, who was also a Lord Protector, thought highly of Richard Beke. He gave Beke command of his personal guards and made him a knight.
After the time of the Cromwells, when the monarchy was brought back (this was called the Restoration), Richard Beke was briefly popular. He became a colonel in the army. Later, he worked as a justice of the peace and a commissioner of appeals. He represented Aylesbury once in 1689. He also represented Wendover twice during the reigns of King William III and Queen Mary II.
Richard Beke passed away on November 29, 1707, at the age of 78. He was buried in the church at Dinton, Buckinghamshire, where he had a home.
Richard Beke's Family Life
Richard Beke was married three times.
His first marriage was on February 7, 1656, to Levina Whitstone. Levina was the daughter of Roger Whitstone and Catherine Cromwell. Catherine was the sister of the famous Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell. Their wedding was a big event, with many members of the Cromwell family attending, including Oliver Cromwell himself.
On July 1, 1667, Beke married his second wife, Jane Powlett. She was the daughter of Lord Charles Powlett.
Beke's third marriage was on February 10, 1684, to Elizabeth Lee. She was the third daughter of Sir Thomas Lee. Elizabeth died on May 20, 1737, at 74 years old. She was also buried in Dinton church. Richard and Elizabeth had three daughters:
- Ann, who married Mark Antonie.
- Elizabeth, who died when she was young.
- Mary, who married John Baynes, a type of lawyer called a serjeant-at-law.
