Robert Drew (politician) facts for kids
Robert Drew (born 1575, died 1645) was an important English lawyer and politician. He lived in a place called Southbroom, near Devizes in Wiltshire. Robert Drew was a member of the House of Commons, which is a part of the English Parliament, similar to how governments work today. He served there many times between the years 1597 and 1625.
Early Life and Education
Robert Drew was the son of John Drew and Eleanor Cooke. His family lived at Southbroom. When he was about 18 years old, in 1592, he started studying at Christ Church, Oxford, which is a famous university. In the same year, he also began his law studies at a place called Middle Temple in London. This was one of the main places where people learned to become lawyers in England.
Robert Drew became the owner of the Southbroom estate after his father passed away in 1614.
A Career in Politics
In 1597, Robert Drew was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for the town of Devizes. This meant he represented the people of Devizes in the House of Commons.
Even though he was studying law, the senior lawyers at Middle Temple initially didn't allow him to become a full lawyer in 1599. They said he hadn't finished all his required "exercises of learning." However, he eventually completed his training and became a lawyer by 1602.
He was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Devizes in 1601. From 1603, he also served as a common councilman for Devizes, helping to manage the town's affairs until 1640. He was elected MP for Devizes again in 1604. From 1606 to 1640, he was also a Justice of the Peace for Devizes. This role meant he helped keep law and order in the area. In 1625, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Devizes one last time.
Family Life
Robert Drew married Jane Jackman on May 25, 1602. Jane's father, John Jackman, was a grocer from London. Robert and Jane had a large family with six sons and five daughters. Robert Drew passed away when he was about 70 years old.
