Richard Dowdeswell (died 1673) facts for kids
Richard Dowdeswell (born before 1601 – died 1673) was an important English landowner. He was a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War. Later, he became a member of the House of Commons, which is like today's Parliament. He served there from 1660 until he passed away.
Richard Dowdeswell's Early Life
Richard was likely born and definitely baptized in Eastleach Martin, a village in Gloucestershire. He was the oldest son of Roger Dowdeswell and Martha Blomer. His father was a landowner who bought several estates. In 1628, his family moved to Pull Court at Bushley, Worcestershire. This became their family home for many generations. Richard also had a younger brother, William, who became a clergyman.
Richard Dowdeswell's Career and Politics
In 1633, Richard inherited his father's lands. When the English Civil War began, he strongly supported the King. In 1642, the House of Commons ordered him to be arrested because he was a Royalist.
Richard was very active for the King. He helped organize soldiers in Worcester in 1642. He also gave the King men and money in 1643 and 1644. In 1644, he was a guard at the Tewkesbury army base. People said he even sent horses to help the Scottish army in 1651.
After the war, when the King was back in power, Richard was elected as a Member of Parliament for Tewkesbury. This happened in 1660. He was re-elected in 1661 and stayed an MP until he died in 1673. Thanks to his efforts, Tewkesbury received an important document in 1672. This document confirmed a special charter (a type of official permission) that had been given by King James I.
Richard Dowdeswell passed away in 1673 when he was 72 years old. There is a monument for him in Bushley.
Richard Dowdeswell's Family Life
In 1628, Richard married Anne Pleydell. Her father was Sir Charles Pleydell from Lydiard Tregoze in Wiltshire. Anne's two brothers, William Pleydell and John Pleydell, also became Members of Parliament. Anne lived longer than Richard. She died in 1680 and was buried next to him in Bushley.
Richard and Anne had children. Their main heir was their son, William, who died in 1683. William later became the High Sheriff of Worcestershire in 1678. William was also the father of another important politician named Richard Dowdeswell.
