Samuel Sandys (Royalist) facts for kids

Sir Samuel Sandys (born June 15, 1615 – died April 5, 1685) was an important English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's parliament. He served there at different times between 1640 and 1685. During the English Civil War, he fought for the Royalists, who supported the King.

Sir Samuel Sandys' Life and Politics

Sir Samuel Sandys was the son of Sir Edwin Sandys MP and Penelope Bulkeley. His mother was the daughter of Sir Richard Bulkeley MP. His grandfather, Sir Samuel Sandys MP, was also a politician. He had represented Worcestershire in parliament during the time of King James I.

Early Political Career

In April 1640, Sandys was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Droitwich. This was for a short meeting of parliament called the Short Parliament. He was elected again in November 1640 for the Long Parliament.

Role in the English Civil War

Sir Samuel Sandys supported the King during the English Civil War. Because of this, he was not allowed to be an MP anymore in August 1642. He became a Colonel and was made governor of Evesham in 1642. He led a group of horse soldiers in battles like Wickfield and the Battle of Edgehill. Later, he even created his own infantry (foot soldiers) and cavalry (horse soldiers) groups for the King, paying for them himself. In 1644, he was a leader in Worcester under Prince Maurice.

After the War

After the war, in 1646, Sandys had to pay a fine because he had supported the King. His properties were taken for a time, and he was put in prison in 1651. He continued to be involved in secret plans to bring the King back to power.

Return to Parliament

When the King returned to power in 1660, Sandys was re-elected as an MP for Droitwich. This was for the Convention Parliament. In 1661, he was elected MP for Worcestershire in the Cavalier Parliament. He stayed in this role until 1681. He was elected MP for Droitwich again in 1681 and held that seat until 1685.

Sir Samuel Sandys passed away on April 5, 1685, when he was 69 years old. He was buried at Ombersley. A special monument there was designed by William Bird from Oxford.

Sir Samuel Sandys' Family

Sir Samuel Sandys was married twice.

First Marriage

His first wife was Mary Barker. They had two sons and one daughter:

• Samuel Sandys MP (died 1701), who also became an MP for Droitwich.
• Edwin Sandys (died 1685), who studied law at New College, Oxford.
• Mary Sandys (died 1681), who never married and was buried at Wickhamford.

Second Marriage

His second wife was Elizabeth Pakington. She was the daughter of Sir John Pakington Bt MP and the widow of Henry Washington. They did not have any children together.]