Sir Anthony Shirley, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Anthony Shirley, 1st Baronet (born 1624 – died 1683), was an English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like today's Parliament, between 1654 and 1659.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Anthony Shirley was born in 1624. His father was Thomas Shirley from Preston Manor, Brighton. His mother was Elizabeth Stapley. When he was about 14 years old, he started studying at Magdalen Hall, Oxford in 1642. This was a college at the famous Oxford University.
A Career in Politics
Sir Anthony Shirley was involved in government during a time called the Commonwealth. This was a period in English history when there was no king.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1654, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for a place called Arundel. An MP is a person elected to represent their local area in the House of Commons. He served in the First Protectorate Parliament.
He was elected again in 1656. This time, he represented Sussex in the Second Protectorate Parliament. In 1659, he became an MP for Steyning in the Third Protectorate Parliament.
Other Important Roles
In 1666, Sir Anthony Shirley was given a special title. He became a baronet. This is a hereditary title, meaning it can be passed down in the family. He was also chosen to be the High Sheriff of Sussex in 1667. A High Sheriff was a very important local official, but he did not take up this role.
Family and Later Life
Sir Anthony Shirley married Anne Onslow in 1650. She was the daughter of Sir Richard Onslow. They were married in Cranleigh, Surrey. Sir Anthony Shirley passed away in June 1683 when he was 58 years old. He was buried at Preston Manor. His son, Richard, took over his baronet title.
