Robert Pye (Roundhead) facts for kids

Sir Robert Pye (born around 1620, died 1701) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, between 1640 and 1660. During the English Civil War, he supported the Parliament, also known as the Roundheads. He belonged to the important Pye Family.

About Sir Robert Pye

Sir Robert Pye was the son of Sir Robert Pye the Elder. His father was an important official called the Auditor of the Exchequer. This job involved checking the government's money. His mother was Mary Croker.

Early Political Life

In December 1640, Robert Pye became a Member of Parliament for Woodstock. This was part of a long meeting of Parliament known as the Long Parliament. By 1642, he was given the title of Knight, becoming "Sir Robert Pye."

Role in the English Civil War

The English Civil War was a big conflict in England. Sir Robert Pye chose to fight for the Parliament's side. He became a colonel, leading a group of soldiers on horseback in General Fairfax's army. During the war, he even attacked his own father's large house in Faringdon. His father had allowed the King's supporters, called Royalists, to use it as a base. In 1648, he was removed from Parliament during an event called Pride's Purge. This was when some members of Parliament were forced out.

Later Political Career

Sir Robert Pye was elected as a Member of Parliament again in 1654. He represented Berkshire in what was called the First Protectorate Parliament. He was elected again for Berkshire in 1659 for the Third Protectorate Parliament.

He played a part in bringing the King back to power in 1660. This event is known as the Restoration. He even helped manage the money for this effort. In 1660, he presented a request from Berkshire. It complained that the government was not stable. Because of this, he was sent to the Tower of London. This was seen as breaking a rule of Parliament.

He tried to get out of prison using a legal process called Habeas Corpus. But the judge, Richard Newdigate, said his court could not release him. Later, when General Monck came to London, Members of Parliament voted to free Sir Robert Pye. In 1660, he was elected MP for Berkshire once more. After the King returned, Sir Robert Pye was chosen to be an equerry to the King. An equerry is an officer who attends to the royal family.

Family Life

Sir Robert Pye married Anne, who was the oldest daughter of John Hampden. John Hampden was a very famous supporter of Parliament. Sir Robert and Anne had three sons and one daughter. One of their sons was Richard Pye, who also became a Member of Parliament. Another son was Edmund Pye, a doctor. Edmund's great-grandson was Henry James Pye, who became a famous poet.

Sir Robert Pye inherited his father's estates in 1662. These estates were in bad condition. He passed away in December 1701 and was buried at All Saints' Church, Faringdon. His son Richard married Barbara Allington. Their son, also named Richard, married Maria Josephina von Saxe-Zeitz. She was a descendant of Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg, a powerful German ruler.