Sir Gilbert Gerard, 1st Baronet of Harrow on the Hill facts for kids

Sir Gilbert Gerard, 1st Baronet of Harrow on the Hill (born October 23, 1587 – died January 6, 1670) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like the main law-making group in England, at different times between 1614 and 1660. Sir Gilbert supported the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War, a big conflict in England. He also supported Oliver Cromwell, who was a very important leader during a time called the Protectorate, when England was not ruled by a king.

Early Life and Family Connections

Gilbert Gerard was born in 1587. His father was William Gerard, who lived in a place called Flambards in Harrow-on-the-Hill. When his father passed away in 1609, Gilbert took over the family home and lands.

In 1614, Gilbert Gerard married Mary. Her father was Sir Francis Barrington, and her mother was Joan Cromwell. This made Mary a cousin of Oliver Cromwell, who would later become a very powerful leader in England. Through this marriage, Gilbert also gained control of a large estate called Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire.

Gilbert's Political Journey

Starting in Government

From 1609 to 1640, Gilbert Gerard worked as the Clerk of the Council for the Duchy of Lancaster. This was an important job helping to manage the lands and money belonging to the King in that area.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Gilbert Gerard became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the first time in 1614, representing the town of Wigan. An MP is someone elected by people to speak for them in the House of Commons. In 1620, he was given a special title and became a baronet. This is a title of honor, like a knight, that can be passed down in the family.

He was elected as an MP many times. In 1621, he became an MP for Middlesex. In 1624, he was chosen to represent both Middlesex and Newtown, but he decided to serve for Middlesex. He was elected for Middlesex again in 1625 and 1626. In 1626, he also became the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, which was a local official responsible for law and order.

Supporting Parliament in the Civil War

In April 1640, Gilbert Gerard was elected as an MP for Middlesex again, first for the Short Parliament and then for the Long Parliament later that year. He was not a fan of the Earl of Strafford, who was a powerful advisor to the King.

As tensions grew, Gilbert Gerard sided with the Parliament against King Charles I. This led to the English Civil War. He became a Colonel in the Middlesex Trained Bands, which were like local defense forces. He also joined the Committee of Both Kingdoms, a group that helped manage the war effort for Parliament.

Gilbert Gerard was put in charge of paying the Parliamentary army. He received a small payment for this work, which added up to a lot of money. He was also made the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, a very important role in managing royal lands.

Working with Oliver Cromwell

Later, when Oliver Cromwell became the powerful leader known as the Lord Protector, he made Gilbert Gerard a member of his special "Upper House," which was like a second chamber of Parliament.

After Oliver Cromwell's son, Richard, stepped down as Protector, Gilbert Gerard faced some challenges. He was stopped from entering the House of Commons because of his close ties to the Cromwell family. He even tried to take legal action against the person who stopped him, but Parliament ordered him to drop the case. However, when the army gained more power, he was chosen to be part of the new English Council of State, a group that helped govern England.

In April 1660, he was elected as an MP for Lancaster. Sir Gilbert Gerard lived through the time when the King was brought back to power (called the Restoration). He passed away on January 6, 1670, and was buried in Harrow.