Richard Newport, 1st Baron Newport facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Newport, 1st Baron Newport
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 7 May 1587 |
| Died | 8 February 1651 Whornes Place, Cuxton, Kent |
| Buried | Moulins, France |
| Spouse(s) | Rachel Leveson |
| Father | Sir Francis Newport |
| Mother | Beatrix Lacon |
Richard Newport, 1st Baron Newport (born May 7, 1587 – died February 8, 1651) was an important English landowner and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, at different times between 1614 and 1629. Richard Newport supported the King during the English Civil War. Because of his loyalty, he was given the special title of Baron Newport in 1642.
Contents
Early Life and Politics
Richard Newport was the son of Sir Francis Newport and Beatrix Lacon. His family lived at High Ercall in England. He studied at Brasenose College, Oxford, from 1604 to 1607.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
Newport became a member of parliament (MP) in 1614 for Shropshire. An MP is a person chosen to represent an area in the government. He was later elected MP for Shrewsbury in 1621.
He continued to be elected for Shropshire in 1624, 1625, 1626, and 1628. He served in Parliament until 1629. That year, King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for eleven years.
Supporting the King
In 1642, the English Civil War began. This was a big fight between King Charles I and Parliament. Richard Newport was a Royalist, meaning he supported the King.
Helping the Royalist Cause
Newport gave King Charles I a large sum of money, £6,000, in 1642. This money helped the King buy cannons for the Battle of Edgehill. Because of his help, the King made him a Baron Newport. This was a very important title in the Peerage of England.
He also made his home, High Ercall Hall, a strong place for the King's army. It became a fortress during the war.
The Siege of High Ercall Hall
High Ercall Hall was attacked by Parliament's forces. This attack was called the Siege of High Ercall Hall. The house was badly damaged during the fighting. It was finally captured by the Parliament's army in 1646.
After the King was executed in 1649, Richard Newport left England. He moved to France to live out his remaining years.
Family Life
Richard Newport married Rachel Leveson before 1615. Rachel was the daughter of Sir John Leveson. Together, they had three sons and four daughters.
Newport passed away in 1651 at the age of 63. His oldest son, Francis, took over his title as Baron. His second son, Andrew, also became a politician and worked for the royal court.
