Richard Lewis (English MP) facts for kids

Richard Lewis (born around 1627 – died October 1, 1706) was an important English landowner and politician. He served as a member of the House of Commons, which is a part of the English Parliament, for many years between 1660 and 1702.

Richard Lewis's Early Life

Richard Lewis was the third son of Sir Edward Lewis, who worked for the King's court. His mother was Lady Anne Sackville. Richard's father lived in places like The Van in Glamorgan and Edington Priory in Wiltshire. Sir Edward died in 1630.

Richard Lewis started his public service in Wiltshire. He helped with collecting taxes as a commissioner from 1660 to 1680. He also helped organize the local army, called the militia, in 1660.

His Time as a Politician

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In April 1660, Richard Lewis was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Westbury. This was for a special meeting of Parliament called the Convention Parliament. He also became a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Wiltshire, helping to keep law and order, from 1660 to 1688.

In 1661, he was elected as an MP for Westbury again. This time, it was for a long-lasting Parliament known as the Cavalier Parliament. He also held a military role, serving as a lieutenant-colonel in the Wiltshire militia. From 1662 to 1663, he worked as a commissioner, helping to manage towns and cities. He was also a Deputy Lieutenant, assisting the main county leader, from 1668 to 1688.

Taking on More Responsibilities

In 1674, Richard Lewis inherited his family's lands after his nephew, Edward Lewis, passed away. He then became a Justice of the Peace for Glamorgan until 1682. He also helped with tax collection in Monmouthshire and Glamorgan from 1677 to 1680.

He was re-elected as an MP for Westbury twice in 1679. In 1681, he became a colonel in the militia. He also served as a sheriff, a top law enforcement officer, from 1681 to 1682. In 1684, he became a "freeman" of Devizes, which meant he had special rights in the town.

Later Political Years

In 1685, Richard Lewis was elected MP for Westbury once more. He continued as a Justice of the Peace for Glamorgan from 1685 to 1696. He also helped manage the properties of rebels in Wiltshire in 1686. However, in 1687, he lost his "freeman" status in Devizes by a special government order.

After October 1688, he became a Justice of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant for Wiltshire again until 1696. He continued his work with tax collection in Monmouthshire, Wiltshire, and Glamorgan from 1689 to 1690. He was re-elected as an MP for Westbury several more times: in 1689, 1690, 1695, and 1698. In 1696, he was removed from his Deputy Lieutenant role because he refused to sign a special agreement called the "Association."

He served as a Justice of the Peace for Glamorgan and Wiltshire from 1700 until he died. In February 1701, he was elected MP for Westbury one last time.

His Final Years

Richard Lewis passed away in 1706 when he was about 83 years old. He was buried in Corsham.

He was married to Mary James and they had three sons and two daughters. One of his sons, Thomas, also became a Member of Parliament. His brother, William, was also an MP for Devizes.