Robert Reynolds (Attorney General) facts for kids

Sir Robert Reynolds (born 1601, died 1678) was an English lawyer and a member of Parliament. He lived during a very important time in English history, the English Civil War. Robert Reynolds supported the Parliament's side when the war began.

He held important legal jobs, like Solicitor General and Attorney General, during the time England was a republic, known as the English Commonwealth. Later, he also supported bringing the king back to power.

Who Was Robert Reynolds?

Robert Reynolds was the son of Sir James Reynolds. His family lived in Castle Camps in Cambridgeshire. He also had a brother named Sir John Reynolds, who was also a Member of Parliament and supported the Parliament from the start of the Civil War.

Robert Reynolds became a lawyer. In 1634, records show he was part of the Inner Temple, which is one of the places where lawyers are trained. He might have also been part of the Middle Temple. In 1644, the House of Commons gave him the law offices and library of another lawyer, Sir Edward Hyde.

Reynolds During the Civil War

In 1642, Robert Reynolds and another man, Robert Goodwin, were sent to Dublin, Ireland. They were representatives for the Parliament. They attended meetings of the Irish Privy Council, which was a group of advisors to the king. They tried to gain support for the Parliament among officials there.

King Charles I was not happy about this. He ordered their arrest in 1643, but Reynolds and Goodwin left Ireland before they could be caught.

In 1644, Reynolds joined the Westminster Assembly. This was a group that advised Parliament on religious matters. Later, he disagreed with some of their strong views.

His Role in Important Events

When the New Model Army and Parliament had disagreements, Reynolds tried to stay neutral. He was chosen to be one of the judges for the king's trial, but he refused to take part.

Even after King Charles I was executed, Reynolds returned to Parliament. He believed he could still help the country and protect the rights of the people.

Reynolds had also bought land that used to belong to the king's supporters. This showed his commitment to the new government. He once mentioned investing a lot of money, about £8,000, in such properties.

In 1650, Reynolds was made Solicitor General for the Commonwealth. This was a high legal position. However, he was not elected to the Council of State the next year.

Life After Cromwell

When Oliver Cromwell took over and ended the Parliament in 1653, Reynolds stepped away from public life for a while.

In 1659, he returned to Parliament, representing Whitchurch. This was during the time of Richard Cromwell, Oliver's son, who became the new leader. Reynolds gave a long speech against making Richard Cromwell the permanent leader, even though he said he respected Richard. He wanted to make sure people's rights were protected first.

After Richard Cromwell's rule ended, Reynolds rejoined Parliament. He was elected to the Council of State in 1659. He also became Solicitor General again, and then Attorney General in 1660.

Supporting the King's Return

Reynolds was one of the people who helped George Monck bring back King Charles II. Because he supported the return of the king, he was able to make peace with the new government.

In May 1660, Reynolds asked King Charles II for permission to retire and be pardoned. The King agreed and even made him a knight in June 1660.

His Family Life

Sir Robert Reynolds was married twice.

• First, in 1635, he married Mary Deards from Essex.
• Second, in 1646, he married Priscilla Wyndham from Dorset.

His second wife, Priscilla, later remarried in 1683 to Henry Alexander, 4th Earl of Stirling, and she passed away in 1691.