Robert Scawen facts for kids

Robert Scawen (1602–1670) was an English politician from a long time ago. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, at different times between 1640 and 1670. He supported the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War.

Robert Scawen's Early Life

Robert Scawen was born in 1602. His family lived in St. Germans, Cornwall, a place in England. His father was also named Robert Scawen, and his mother was Isabel Nicholl.

Becoming a Lawyer and Government Worker

Robert Scawen became a lawyer in London. He also worked for the government, managing money as a "receiver-general" for several areas like Hampshire and Wiltshire. He held this job for many years, starting in 1638.

He also became a secretary to a very important person, the Earl of Northumberland. This job helped him learn about how the military was organized, especially during the Bishops' Wars.

Robert Scawen in Parliament

In 1640, Robert Scawen was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Berwick upon Tweed. This was for a very important meeting of Parliament called the Long Parliament. He kept his seat even after a big event called Pride's Purge in 1648, which removed many members from Parliament.

Supporting Parliament in the Civil War

Unlike his brother, William Scawen, Robert supported the Parliament's side during the English Civil War. He followed the Earl of Northumberland in this decision.

During these years, he had many important jobs:

• He helped with new military equipment in 1645.
• He led the army committee from 1645 to 1648.
• He was involved in managing water systems in Lincolnshire in 1647.
• He also helped with taxes in Westminster and Middlesex in 1648 and 1649.
• In 1648, he worked with the local army in Northumberland.
• He was a Justice of the Peace (a local judge) for Middlesex from 1649 to 1652.

In 1658, he bought a large estate called the manor of Horton, Buckinghamshire.

Later Political Roles

In 1659, Scawen was again elected as a Member of Parliament, this time for Grampound. This was during the Third Protectorate Parliament. He continued to work for the government, managing money until May 1660.

After the English monarchy was restored, he got his job back as Receiver-general for Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire. He also helped with disbanding the army and worked on tax appeals until he passed away.

In 1662, Scawen was elected MP for Cockermouth in the Cavalier Parliament. He continued to take on various government roles, including:

• Helping with taxes in Cornwall, Cumberland, and Buckinghamshire from 1663 to 1669.
• Collecting the hearth tax (a tax on fireplaces) for Cornwall until 1666.
• Working with revenue wagons and taxes in Middlesex until 1669.

Robert Scawen's Family

Robert Scawen married Catherine Alsopp. They had seven sons and two daughters. Two of his sons, William and Thomas, also became Members of Parliament. They even became Governors of the Bank of England, which is a very important financial role.