Sir Henry Pickering, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir Henry Pickering, 1st Baronet (died 4 March 1668) was an important English person who owned land and was involved in politics. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, in 1654. He also fought as a soldier for the Parliamentary army during the English Civil War.

Life of Sir Henry Pickering

Henry Pickering was the son of Reverend Henry Pickering. His father was a church leader in a town called Aldwinckle in Northamptonshire.

In 1645, Henry Pickering became a high-ranking officer, a colonel, in the New Model Army. This was the main army fighting for Parliament during the English Civil War.

Later, in 1648, he bought a large area of land and property, known as an estate, in Whaddon. From 1648 to 1649, he held an important local job called High Sheriff. This role involved keeping law and order in the area.

Pickering's Political Career

In 1654, Henry Pickering was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Cambridgeshire. This meant he represented the people of Cambridgeshire in the First Protectorate Parliament. He was elected again for the same area in 1656 for the Second Protectorate Parliament.

A very important leader named Oliver Cromwell made him a knight on February 1, 1658. This was a special honor. In 1659, he was elected as an MP for Cambridgeshire one more time, for the Third Protectorate Parliament.

After the king returned to power, King Charles II gave him another special title. On January 2, 1661, Henry Pickering was made a baronet. This title meant he was called "Sir" and his family could pass the title down.

Sir Henry Pickering passed away at his home in Whaddon in 1668.

Sir Henry's Family Life

Sir Henry Pickering married Elizabeth Viner on July 19, 1647. They were married in a place called Hackney. Elizabeth was the daughter of another important person, Sir Thomas Viner, 1st Baronet. Sir Henry Pickering's son, also named Henry, took over his title after he died.