Robert Hatton (Royalist) facts for kids

Sir Robert Hatton (died 10 January 1653) was an English landowner and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like today's parliament, at different times between 1621 and 1642. He supported the King's side, known as the Royalists, during the English Civil War.

Early Life and Family Connections

Robert Hatton was the second son of John Hatton from Longstanton, Cambridgeshire. His mother was Joan Shute, whose father, Robert Shute, was an important judge called a Baron of the Exchequer. Robert Hatton started studying law at Gray's Inn in London in 1602. His brother was Sir Thomas Hatton, 1st Baronet.

Land and Knighthood

Robert Hatton inherited land in Oakington, Cambridgeshire, from his mother. He likely lived there from around 1610. He was given the title of 'Sir' (knighted) at Whitehall on March 12, 1617. He also owned a property called Oswalds in Bishopsbourne.

Political Career

Sir Robert Hatton worked for many years as a steward, managing affairs for the Archbishop of Canterbury, a very important religious leader.

Serving in Parliament

In 1621, Hatton was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Sandwich. However, his election was cancelled because the mayor had unfairly stopped some people from voting. He was later successfully elected as an MP for Sandwich in both 1624 and 1625.

Challenges in Parliament

In 1641, Sir Robert was elected as an MP for Castle Rising during a special election for the Long Parliament. He disagreed with the decision to try and remove Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford, one of the King's most powerful ministers, from his position. For this, the House of Commons criticized him.

English Civil War and Later Life

When the English Civil War began, Sir Robert Hatton supported King Charles I. Because of this, he was removed from his position in parliament on September 7, 1642. This happened because he was helping the King gather an army.

Financial Difficulties

In 1644, he was appointed a Chamberlain of the Exchequer, a role involved with managing the King's money. However, after 1646, he had to leave England because he owed money to people. His property in Oakington was taken by the government for ten years. On July 1, 1651, parliament ordered that his properties be sold.

Family and Legacy

Sir Robert Hatton passed away in 1653. He was married to Mary, the daughter of Sir Robert Leigh. They had six children, but sadly, four of them died when they were young. His only son, Robert, died in 1658 without having any children of his own. Sir Robert Hatton's only daughter, Elizabeth, married Sir Anthony Aucher, 1st Baronet. Sir Anthony was able to get back the properties that belonged to Sir Robert Hatton.