Richard Sackville, 5th Earl of Dorset facts for kids

Richard Sackville (born September 16, 1622 – died August 27, 1677) was an important English nobleman and politician. He held the title of the 5th Earl of Dorset.

Early Life and Family

Richard Sackville was born at Dorset House. He was the second of three children. His father was Edward Sackville, the 4th Earl of Dorset. His mother was Mary Curzon.

Richard had an older sister, Mary, who passed away in 1632. His younger brother, Edward, was involved in the English Civil War. Edward was captured and died in 1646 during the war.

Political Career

Richard Sackville started his political journey in the House of Commons. He served there from 1640 to 1643. During this time, he was known as Lord Buckhurst. He represented the area of East Grinstead in Sussex.

He was part of the political events that led to the English Civil War. In 1642, Parliament arrested him. He was later fined £1500 in 1644. After this, he did not take an active part in the war.

Richard Sackville returned to politics in 1660. He joined a new parliament that helped bring King Charles II back to power. This event is known as the English Restoration. He led a committee that welcomed King Charles II.

The new King Charles II made Sackville the Lord Lieutenant of Middlesex in 1660. This was an important role. In the 1660s, he worked hard to get back many of the family's possessions. These had been lost during the time without a king, called the English Interregnum.

Other Interests

Richard Sackville also enjoyed writing poetry sometimes. One of his poems was a tribute to the famous poet Ben Jonson. It was published in a special book in 1638.

He was also interested in science. In 1665, he was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists.

Family Life

Richard Sackville was married to Lady Frances Cranfield for 40 years. She was the daughter of Lionel Cranfield, the 1st Earl of Middlesex. They had a large family with seven sons and six daughters.

Their daughter Mary married Roger Boyle in 1665. Another daughter, Frances, married George Lane. Richard's oldest son, Charles Sackville, became the 6th Earl of Dorset after his father.

Images for kids

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  Frances Cranfield, Lady Buckhurst (1622–1687)