Richard Dowdeswell (died 1711) facts for kids

Richard Dowdeswell (born around 1653 – died October 17, 1711) was an English politician. He came from Pull Court in Bushley, Worcestershire. Richard Dowdeswell served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the English and later British Parliament from 1685 to 1710. He was part of the Whig political group.

Early Life and Family

Richard Dowdeswell was the oldest son of William Dowdeswell and Judith Wymonsold. His father lived at Pull Court in Worcestershire. Richard started studying at Christ Church, Oxford when he was 16 years old, in 1669.

In 1676, he married Elizabeth Winnington. Her father was Sir Francis Winnington. Richard took over his father's estate in 1683.

Early Public Service

Before becoming an MP, Richard Dowdeswell held several important local jobs. From 1677 to 1680, he helped collect taxes in Worcestershire. He also worked as a Justice of the Peace for both Gloucestershire and Worcestershire from 1677 to 1681. This role meant he helped keep law and order. In 1682, he became a Freeman of Preston, which gave him certain rights in that town.

He was also the Sheriff of Worcestershire from 1688 to 1689. This was another important local position, often involving law enforcement and managing elections.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Richard Dowdeswell first became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Tewkesbury in 1685. He was the only candidate, so he won without anyone opposing him. At first, he didn't make a big impact in Parliament.

After a big change in government called the Glorious Revolution, Dowdeswell continued his public service. From 1689, he again helped collect taxes and served as a Justice of the Peace for the rest of his life. He also became a Deputy Lieutenant for Gloucestershire.

He was re-elected as MP for Tewkesbury in 1689, again without opposition. During this time, he worked on important committees in Parliament. One committee helped prepare a law to get rid of the hearth tax, which was a tax on fireplaces.

Parliamentary Career

Dowdeswell was re-elected for Tewkesbury as a Whig in 1690. He helped create a law about the rights of towns and cities. He also worked with his father-in-law, Sir Francis Winnington, to ask for a new official document (a charter) for Tewkesbury in 1693.

He continued to be re-elected in 1695, 1698, and twice in 1701. He generally supported the government's plans. He signed a document called the Association, showing his loyalty to the King. He also voted to set the value of guineas (a type of coin) at 22 shillings.

In 1696, he voted on a serious matter to declare Sir John Fenwick guilty of treason without a trial. By 1698, he was a Captain in the Foot Militia for Worcestershire, which was a local military group.

He was re-elected again in 1702 and 1705. By 1702, he was also a Deputy Lieutenant for Worcestershire. In 1708, he was re-elected as a Whig MP. In 1709, he voted to allow people from Palatine (a region in Germany) to become British citizens.

Later Life and Death

Richard Dowdeswell faced a defeat in the 1710 election. He was not well at the time. He passed away in October 1711. He had three sons and three daughters who survived him. Two of his sons had died before him.