Robert Goodwin (Parliamentarian) facts for kids

Sir Robert Goodwin (born around 1601 – died 1681) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government that makes laws. He served there many times between 1626 and 1659. Sir Robert supported the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War. This was a big conflict in England.

Early Life and Family

Robert Goodwin was the son of Edward Goodwin. His mother was Susan Wallop. His family lived in a place called Horne, Surrey. Robert also had a brother named John Goodwin.

A Career in Parliament

Sir Robert Goodwin was a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years. An MP is a person chosen to represent an area in the House of Commons.

First Elections

In 1626, Robert Goodwin was first elected as an MP. He represented the town of East Grinstead. He was elected again for East Grinstead in 1628. He served until 1629. At that time, King Charles I decided to rule England without Parliament for eleven years.

The English Civil War Years

Parliament became important again in 1640. Robert Goodwin was re-elected as an MP for East Grinstead. This Parliament was called the Short Parliament. Later that same year, in November 1640, he was elected again for the Long Parliament.

During the English Civil War, Sir Robert supported Parliament. In 1642, he was sent to Dublin in Ireland. He went with another person, Robert Reynolds. They were sent by the House of Commons to represent Parliament there. They tried to get support for Parliament among officials in Ireland. They returned to England in 1643.

Later Years in Politics

After a big event called Pride's Purge, Robert Goodwin stayed in what was left of Parliament. This part was known as the Rump Parliament. In 1658, he was given the title of "Sir" (knighted) in Dublin.

In 1659, he was elected MP for East Grinstead once more. This was for the Third Protectorate Parliament. In the same year, he was chosen to be one of five people who would govern Ireland.

Sir Robert Goodwin passed away in 1681. He was buried in East Grinstead.