Robert Hunt (Parliamentarian) facts for kids

Robert Hunt (born around 1609 – died 20 February 1680) was an English lawyer and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a parliament where laws are made. He served there at different times between 1641 and 1660.

During the English Civil War, Robert Hunt supported the side known as the Parliamentarians. This group was against the King. Even though he supported Parliament, he was once wrongly thought to be a Royalist (someone who supported the King) and was temporarily removed from Parliament.

Early Life and Education

Robert Hunt was the oldest son of John Hunt and Catharine Pepham. He was born around 1609.

He went to school in Rampisham, Dorset. When he was 16, he started studying at Caius College, Cambridge. Later, in 1625, he began training to be a lawyer at Middle Temple. He officially became a lawyer in 1633.

By the early 1640s, he was working as a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Somerset. A J.P. is a local official who helps keep law and order.

A Career in Parliament

In November 1640, Robert Hunt was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Ilchester. However, this election was later cancelled. He was then re-elected in February 1641.

In 1644, he was again prevented from being in Parliament. This happened because someone wrongly claimed he had supported the King's Parliament. But Robert Hunt was able to show that he had given £100 to help the Parliamentarian cause. He was cleared of any wrongdoing, but he did not immediately return to his seat in Parliament.

Important Roles and Challenges

Robert Hunt held many important positions over the years. He was a Justice of the Peace for Somerset from 1654 to 1659. He also served as a commissioner for different tasks, like looking into "scandalous ministers" in 1654 and ensuring security in 1655.

From 1654 to 1655, he was the High Sheriff of Somerset. This was during a time called the Interregnum, when England was without a king. As High Sheriff, he was in charge of the trials of Royalists after the Penruddock uprising. He handled these trials fairly and reliably.

In 1659, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Somerset in the Third Protectorate Parliament. He continued to be a Justice of the Peace for Somerset from March 1660 until he died. He was also a commissioner for the militia (a local army) in March 1660.

Later Political Life

In April 1660, Robert Hunt was elected as a Member of Parliament for Ilchester again. This was for the Convention Parliament. He also became a commissioner for sewers (managing drainage systems) in August 1660.

From 1661 until his death, he was a commissioner for assessment (dealing with taxes). He also became a Deputy Lieutenant in 1666. He was known as "the most reputed justice in Somerset" because he was very respected for his work. He even personally investigated some cases of witchcraft, despite official discouragement at the time.

In 1675, he was a commissioner for recusants, who were people who refused to attend Church of England services. In 1679, he tried to get elected to Parliament again with Edward Phelips, but there was a problem with the election results, and they never took their seats.

Family Life

Robert Hunt married Elizabeth Browne on 24 September 1635. They had three sons and five daughters together. His wife, Elizabeth, passed away on 24 September 1675.

Robert Hunt died at the age of 70 on 20 February 1680. He was buried in Compton Pauncefoot.