Simon Thelwall (MP died 1659) facts for kids
Simon Thelwall (born 1601, died 1659) was a Welsh politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, at different times between 1640 and 1654. He also fought as a soldier for the Parliamentary army during the English Civil War.
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Simon Thelwall's Early Life and Education
Simon Thelwall was the son of either Simon or Edward Thelwall. His family lived at a place called Plas-y-ward. When he was 15 years old, in 1616, he started studying at Lincoln College, Oxford, a famous university.
Later, in 1634, he became a "burgess" of Denbigh. This meant he was a citizen with certain rights and duties in the town. In 1637, he joined the Inner Temple, which is a place where people study to become lawyers.
Thelwall's Role in Parliament and War
In November 1640, Simon Thelwall was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Denbigh. This meant he represented the people of Denbigh in the Long Parliament, a special meeting of the government.
During the English Civil War, which was a big fight in England, Simon Thelwall supported the Parliament against the King. Because of this, he had to leave his home area of Denbighshire and went to Pembrokeshire for safety.
Fighting in the Civil War
As a Major in the army, Thelwall helped the Parliament's side. In 1643, he played a part in pushing the King's supporters, called Royalists, out of Pembrokeshire. He was also one of the leaders who accepted the surrender of Denbigh Castle in 1646. This was a big moment in the war.
After the war, Simon Thelwall took on important roles in Denbighshire. On July 2, 1646, he became a Deputy Lieutenant. This was a high position, helping to manage the area. He also became a commissioner for Denbighshire in May 1648. He worked with a group called the Committee for North Wales in June 1648.
Later Political Career
In December 1648, Simon Thelwall was removed from Parliament. This happened during an event called Pride's Purge, where some members were forced out. However, he returned to politics later. In 1654, he was elected as a Member of Parliament again, this time for Denbighshire, in a new government called the First Protectorate Parliament.
Thelwall's Family Life
Simon Thelwall was married twice. His first wife was Margaret Sheffield. She was the daughter of a very important person, Edmund Sheffield, 1st Earl of Mulgrave.
His second wife was Dorothy Meredith. She was a widow and the daughter of John Owen Vychard. Simon Thelwall also had a brother named Lumley Thelwall.
