Sir Edward Bishopp, 2nd Baronet facts for kids

Sir Edward Bishopp, 2nd Baronet (born 1602 – died April 1649) was an important English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, in 1626 and again in 1640. Sir Edward was a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War, making him a "Royalist" or "Cavalier."

Early Life and Family

Sir Edward Bishopp was born in 1602. His father was Sir Thomas Bishopp, 1st Baronet, who lived at Parham Park in Sussex. His mother was Jane Weston.

Young Edward went to Trinity College, Oxford when he was 18 years old in 1619. He also studied law at a famous place called the Inner Temple in 1620. In 1625, he was given the special title of "Knight" by the King. When his father passed away in 1626, Edward became the 2nd Baronet. A Baronet is a title of honor, passed down through families, similar to a knight but hereditary.

First Time in Parliament

In 1626, Sir Edward Bishopp was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for the area of Steyning. This meant he represented the people of Steyning in the House of Commons, helping to make laws and decisions for the country.

A Difficult Time

In 1627, Sir Edward had an unfortunate disagreement with a playwright named Henry Shirley. This happened when Shirley came to Sir Edward's house to collect money that Sir Edward was supposed to pay him. After this incident, Sir Edward was later pardoned, meaning he was forgiven, on the condition that he pay the money to Shirley's older brother. However, he never did pay it.

Despite this event, Sir Edward was later chosen for an important local job. In 1636, he became the High Sheriff of Sussex. The High Sheriff was a very important official who helped keep law and order in the county.

Supporting the King

Sir Edward Bishopp was elected to Parliament again in April 1640, representing Bramber in what was called the Short Parliament. He was re-elected in November 1640 for the Long Parliament, but his election was later cancelled.

During the English Civil War, Sir Edward strongly supported King Charles I. He was a "Royalist," meaning he believed the King should have power. In 1643, he was in charge of Arundel Castle for the King. However, the castle was captured by the Parliament's army in January 1644, and Sir Edward was taken prisoner.

Because he supported the King, Sir Edward's lands and property were taken away by the Parliament. He had to pay a large fine of £7,500 in 1645, which was later reduced to £4,790.

Family Life

Around 1626, Sir Edward Bishopp married Mary Tufton. Her father was Nicholas Tufton, 1st Earl of Thanet, a very important nobleman. Mary's mother, Lady Frances Cecil, came from the powerful Cecil family. Her grandfather was Thomas Cecil, 1st Earl of Exeter, and her great-grandfather was William Cecil, Lord Burghley, who was a chief advisor to Queen Elizabeth I.

Because of this important family connection, later Bishopp baronets often included the name "Cecil" in their own names to remember their famous ancestor.

Sir Edward Bishopp passed away in April 1649, when he was about 47 years old. His son, Thomas, briefly became the 3rd Baronet. In 1651, Thomas, his mother Mary, and his sisters Frances, Diana, Christina, and Mary, successfully asked for part of Sir Edward's property to be returned to them. This money was meant to support his wife and daughters.

Thomas Bishopp died in 1652 without marrying or having children. So, his younger brother, Sir Cecil Bishopp, 4th Baronet, became the next Baronet.