Samuel Ashe (MP) facts for kids

Samuel Ashe was an English lawyer and politician who lived a long time ago. He was a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for England. He served in the House of Commons in 1659, and again from 1679 to 1681.

Samuel Ashe: A Life in Law and Politics

Early Life and Family Connections

Samuel Ashe was born to James Ashe and Grace Pitt. His father, James, was a clothier, someone who made or sold cloth, from a place called Freshford, Somerset.

Samuel came from a family involved in politics. He had three brothers who also became Members of Parliament: John Ashe, Edward Ashe, and Sir Joseph Ashe.

Before 1666, Samuel Ashe married Anne Pleydell. She was the daughter of Oliver Pleydell from Shrivenham, Berkshire. Together, they had two sons and three daughters. One of their sons, Joseph, also became a Member of Parliament for Chippenham.

Becoming a Lawyer

Samuel Ashe chose to study law. In 1646, he joined the Inner Temple, which is one of the four professional associations for barristers in London. These places are like special schools where people learn to become lawyers.

By 1653, he had finished his studies and was "called to the Bar." This means he was officially allowed to work as a lawyer.

His Political Career

Samuel Ashe held several important roles in government. He was a "commissioner for assessment" for Wiltshire many times. This job involved helping to collect taxes. He served in this role from 1649 to 1652, in 1657, from 1660 to 1662, from 1665 to 1680, and again from 1689 to 1690.

In 1657, he bought a large piece of land called the estate of Langley Burrell.

In 1659, Samuel Ashe was elected as a Member of Parliament for Heytesbury. He served in a special government called the Third Protectorate Parliament.

He also worked as a "commissioner for militia" in 1660. This role meant he helped organize the local army. For a short time in 1660, and again in 1674, he was a J.P.. A Justice of the Peace is a local official who helps keep order and deals with minor legal matters.

In October 1679, he was elected as a Member of Parliament again, this time for Chippenham.

Later Life and Death

Samuel Ashe lived to be very old. He passed away in 1708 and was buried at Langley Burrell on November 8, 1708.