Samuel Dunch facts for kids

Samuel Dunch (born 1593 – died 1668) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like today's parliament, in 1621 and again in 1653.

Samuel Dunch was the son of Edmund Dunch from Little Wittenham, a place in what was then Berkshire (now part of Oxfordshire). When he was 15, in 1608, he started studying at Magdalen College, Oxford. He earned his first degree in 1612. He also studied law at Gray's Inn in 1611.

Early Political Career

In 1621, Samuel Dunch was chosen to be a MP for the area of Wallingford. An MP is someone elected to represent their local area in the House of Commons.

Besides being an MP, he also worked as a Justice of the Peace. This role involved keeping law and order in his local community. In 1629, he became the High Sheriff of Berkshire, which was another important local government position. He lived in a place called Pusey, also in Berkshire.

Connection to Oliver Cromwell

Samuel Dunch had a famous relative: he was the uncle of Oliver Cromwell. Oliver Cromwell was a very important figure in English history, leading the country during a period called the Commonwealth.

In 1653, Samuel Dunch was again chosen to be an MP. This time, he represented Berkshire in a special parliament known as the Barebones Parliament.

Family Life

Samuel Dunch married a woman named Dulcibella Moore in 1617. Through her, he gained ownership of North Baddesley Manor. One of their children, John Dunch, also grew up to become an MP. Samuel Dunch's brother, Sir William Dunch, was also an MP for Berkshire.