Robert Wallop facts for kids

Robert Wallop (born 1601, died 1667) was an English politician. He was a member of the Parliament for many years. He strongly supported the Parliament's side during the English Civil War. He was also one of the people who judged King Charles I of England. This led to the king's execution.

Robert Wallop's Early Life

Robert Wallop was the only son of Sir Henry Wallop. His family lived in Farleigh Wallop, Hampshire. His mother was Elizabeth Corbet.

Robert Wallop's Political Journey

Wallop owned land in both Hampshire and Shropshire. One of his properties, "Fitch," has not been found by historians.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1621, Wallop was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Andover. He was re-elected in 1624. In 1625, he became an MP for Hampshire. He was re-elected in 1626.

He was chosen for Andover again in 1628. He served until 1629. This was when King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for eleven years.

Standing Against the King

Wallop did not like the king's actions. He refused to help pay for the Bishops' War in 1639–40. In April 1640, he was elected MP for Andover again. This was for the Short Parliament. He was re-elected for the Long Parliament in November 1640.

He supported Parliament during the Civil War. He voted against the king in all important decisions. However, the king still trusted Wallop. In 1645, King Charles I even suggested Wallop could control the army. This offer was rejected by Parliament.

Wallop remained in Parliament after Pride's Purge. He was named as one of the 59 people to judge King Charles I. He attended the king's trial of Charles I. He was there on January 15, 22, and 23. But he did not sign the king's death warrant.

Life Under the Commonwealth

After the king's execution, England became a republic called the Commonwealth. Wallop was elected to the Council of State in 1649 and 1650. He preferred a republic. He did not like Oliver Cromwell's government very much.

Wallop worked to bring back the Parliament he preferred. For example, Cromwell tried to stop Sir Henry Vane from becoming an MP. Wallop helped Vane get elected for Whitchurch. This made Cromwell's supporters angry. They sent Wallop a threatening letter. But Wallop ignored them. He was elected MP for Hampshire in 1654. He was re-elected in 1656 and 1659.

The Monarchy Returns

After Cromwell's government ended, Wallop continued to support the Long Parliament. He helped secure Portsmouth. For this, he received thanks for his important services. In April 1660, he was elected MP for Whitchurch. This was for the Convention Parliament. But he was stopped from serving on June 11.

When the monarchy was restored, Wallop was punished. He lost his property. He was brought before the House of Commons. He had to admit his guilt. He was sentenced to lose his noble status. He was also to be pulled on a sled to the gallows at Tyburn. He had a rope around his neck. Then he was sent to prison for life. This punishment happened on January 30, 1662. This was the same date the king had been executed.

Robert Wallop died on November 19, 1667. He passed away in the Tower of London. His body was returned to Farleigh Wallop. He was buried with his family.

His only son, Henry Wallop, became an MP for Whitchurch from 1660 to 1674.

Robert Wallop's Family Life

Wallop married Ann Wriothesley. She was the daughter of the 3rd Earl of Southampton. They had one son, Henry Wallop. Henry was allowed to keep the family estates. This was because his uncle, Thomas Wriothesley, helped him.

Henry married Dorothy Bluet. They had four sons. Robert died young. Henry became the heir but died unmarried. John then inherited the estate. Charles also died unmarried. On June 11, 1720, King George I created a new title for Wallop's grandson, John. He became Baron Wallop and Viscount Lymington.