Richard Weston (Royalist) facts for kids
Sir Richard Weston (born 1579, died 1658) was an important English judge and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament, between 1614 and 1642. During the English Civil War, he supported King Charles I and fought on the side known as the Royalists.
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Early Life and Career
Richard Weston was born in Rugeley, Staffordshire. His parents were Ralph Weston and Ann Smith. He went to Exeter College, Oxford to study. After his studies, he became a lawyer in 1607.
Weston started his political career as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Lichfield in 1614. He was chosen again for this role in 1622. He later became a judge in Wales in 1632. In 1634, he became a special judge called a Baron of the Exchequer. He was also made a knight in 1635, which meant he was called "Sir Richard." He built a large house called Hagley Hall, Rugeley.
Role in the English Civil War
In 1641, Sir Richard Weston faced accusations because he supported a tax called "ship money." This tax was very unpopular. Even though he was accused, he was not put on trial.
Instead, in August 1642, he joined the army of King Charles with his oldest son, also named Richard. This was at the start of the English Civil War. In 1643, he was in Shrewsbury and later received a message from the King to come to Oxford.
Later Life and Family
As the Civil War continued, the House of Commons decided in 1645 that Sir Richard could no longer be a judge. He was in Oxford when the King's forces there surrendered in 1646. After this, he was given a safe pass by Thomas Fairfax, a leader of the opposing side.
Sir Richard Weston was married to Ann Barbour. He passed away in Rugeley in 1658.
His Son, Richard Weston
Sir Richard's son, also named Richard, followed in his father's footsteps and became an MP for Stafford in 1640. He was also a soldier for the Royalist side.
After the King's forces lost at Oxford, the younger Richard Weston went to the Isle of Man. He was later captured in 1648 and sadly died while serving the King in the Isle of Man in 1652.
