Sir Abel Barker, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir Abel Barker was an important English politician who lived a long time ago, from about 1616 to 1679. He was known as the 1st Baronet of Hambleton.

Sir Abel Barker's Life

Sir Abel Barker was the son of Abel Barker and Elizabeth Wright. In 1637, he inherited a large estate called Hambleton in Rutland from his father. He became very successful by raising many sheep on his land.

Sir Abel's Role in the English Civil War

During a big conflict called the English Civil War, Sir Abel supported the side known as Parliament. He helped manage things for Parliament in his local area, Rutland.

In 1646, he became the High Sheriff of Rutland, which was a bit like a chief law enforcement officer for the county. He also worked as a justice of the peace, helping to keep order and solve local issues from 1647 to 1653.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Later, in 1656, people in Rutland chose him to be their Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is someone who represents their area in the country's government. He served in the Second Protectorate Parliament until 1658. In 1659, he helped organize the local army (called the militia) in Rutland.

Supporting the King

Sir Abel supported the return of the king, Charles II of England, to power in 1660. This event was called the Stuart Restoration. He even signed a special letter showing his loyalty to the king. He was considered for a special honor called 'Knight of the Royal Oak' because he was quite wealthy, earning about £1,000 a year from his lands.

In 1661, he tried to get re-elected to Parliament but didn't win against Edward Noel.

Building a Manor and Becoming a Baronet

Because he was so successful as a farmer and landlord, he was able to build a large house (a manor) in Lyndon, Rutland. He also bought a special title called a Baronetcy. On September 9, 1665, he officially became a baronet, known as Sir Abel Barker, 1st Baronet of Hambleton.

In 1679, he was chosen again to be the MP for Rutland. However, he passed away before the new Parliament, called the Second Exclusion Parliament, could even start.

Sir Abel Barker was married twice. His son from his first marriage, Thomas, inherited his baronet title. The title ended when the second baronet passed away in 1707.