Sir Gerrard Napier, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir Gerrard Napier, 1st Baronet (born October 19, 1606 – died May 14, 1673), was an important English politician from Dorset. He lived during a very exciting and sometimes difficult time in England, known as the English Civil War. During this war, he supported the King, who was known as a Royalist. He was also a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country.

Early Life and Family

Gerrard Napier was born in 1606 and grew up in a place called Steeple, Dorset. His family was well-known. His father, Sir Nathaniel Napier, was also a Member of Parliament. His grandfather, Sir Robert Napier, was a judge.

Gerrard went to Trinity College, Oxford when he was a young man. In 1628, he became a Member of Parliament for the first time, representing the town of Wareham. Later, he was also elected to represent Weymouth and Melcombe Regis in a very important Parliament called the Long Parliament.

During the English Civil War

The English Civil War was a big conflict in England between those who supported King Charles I (the Royalists) and those who supported Parliament. Sir Gerrard Napier's loyalties seemed to change a bit during this time.

At first, in 1640, he was accused of not being enthusiastic enough about helping the King. But he managed to explain himself, and in 1641, the King made him a baronet, which is a special title of honor.

When the Civil War officially began, Sir Gerrard stayed loyal to the King. He stopped attending Parliament's meetings. However, he also loaned money to Parliament when he was asked to.

Changing Sides and Fines

Sir Gerrard joined the King's army. He was even part of the group that asked the town of Dorchester to surrender. Because he supported the King, Parliament removed him from his position as a Member of Parliament in 1644. He then attended the King's own Parliament in Oxford.

But later in 1644, Sir Gerrard decided to support Parliament. He paid £500 to help Parliament's soldiers. He was fined £3,514, and his lands in Dorset and Kent were taken over for a while. Even though he lost a lot of money, he still managed to secretly send £500 to the young King Charles II, who was living in exile. Unfortunately, the person he trusted with the money kept it for himself.

After the war ended and the King returned to power in 1660, this secret was discovered, and the person who stole the money was arrested. Sir Gerrard Napier was appointed High Sheriff of Dorset for 1650–51, which was an important local role.

Later Life and Royal Favor

Because of his loyalty, King Charles II ordered that Sir Gerrard should receive deer from the New Forest every year. In 1662, he was also put in charge of Crown Lands in Dorset.

In 1665, when the King and Queen had to move to Salisbury because of the plague in London, Sir Gerrard had the great honor of hosting them at his home, Crichel House at Moor Crichel.

Sir Gerrard Napier was married to Margaret Colles. They had one son and two daughters who grew up. Margaret died in 1660. Sir Gerrard passed away on May 14, 1673, and was buried at Minterne Church. His son, Sir Nathaniel, became the 2nd Baronet after him.