Richard Knightley (1617–1661) facts for kids
Sir Richard Knightley (1617–1661) was an important English politician from Fawsley in Northamptonshire. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) during a very exciting and challenging time in English history.
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Early Life and Family Connections
Richard Knightley came from a well-known family in Northamptonshire. He was part of Gray's Inn, which was a place where people studied law. Around 1637, he married Elizabeth Hampden. Her father was John Hampden, a famous leader who disagreed with King Charles I.
Richard's cousin, also named Richard, was also an MP for Northamptonshire. This cousin was a friend and supporter of John Hampden in Parliament. The Knightley family had strong Puritan religious beliefs. Puritans wanted to make the Church of England simpler and more "pure."
A Member of Parliament
When Parliament was finally called together again in 1640, Richard Knightley was chosen as the MP for Northampton. He joined the group of politicians who opposed the King. In fact, important anti-Royalist leaders, like John Pym, even met at Knightley's home in Fawsley to talk about their plans.
Knightley continued to represent Northampton in the Long Parliament. When the English Civil War began, he supported the Parliamentary side against the King. He remained an MP until he was removed from Parliament in an event called Pride's Purge. Later, he served as an MP for Northamptonshire in the Parliament of 1659.
Bringing Back the King
In 1660, Richard Knightley was part of a special group that helped bring King Charles II back to the throne. This was a very important moment in English history, as it ended a period when England was not ruled by a king. For his help, Knightley became an MP for St Germans in the Convention Parliament.
Later Life and Honor
As a thank you for his service, King Charles II made Richard Knightley a Knight of the Bath in June 1661. This was a special honor given by the King. However, Sir Richard Knightley died very soon after receiving this honor.]
