Sir Francis Gerard, 2nd Baronet facts for kids

Sir Francis Gerard, 2nd Baronet (born October 12, 1617 – died December 1680) was an English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a main part of the government, at different times between 1641 and 1660.

Early Life and Family

Francis Gerard was the son of Sir Gilbert Gerard, 1st Baronet of Harrow on the Hill. His mother was Mary Barrington. Mary was the daughter of Sir Francis Barrington and Joan Cromwell. This made Francis Gerard a cousin of the famous Oliver Cromwell.

Political Career

Francis Gerard became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1641. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the government. He represented the area of Seaford in a government period called the Long Parliament. He served there until 1648.

Later, in 1659, he was elected as an MP again. This time he represented Middlesex in the Third Protectorate Parliament.

In 1660, Gerard was elected MP for Bossiney. This was during a special government period known as the Convention Parliament.

Baronetcy and Later Life

A "Baronet" is a special title, similar to a knight, that can be passed down in a family. When his father passed away in 1670, Francis Gerard became the 2nd Baronet. He inherited this title.

Francis Gerard married Isabel Cheek. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Cheek. They had three sons: Charles, Francis, and Cheek. All three sons later became Baronets, one after the other.

Sir Francis Gerard passed away in December 1680. He was 63 years old.