Sir James Clavering, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir James Clavering, 1st Baronet (born 3 February 1620 – died 24 March 1702) was an important English landowner. He lived a long life and held several significant positions in his community during the 17th century.

Who Was Sir James Clavering?

Sir James Clavering came from a well-known family. His grandfather, also named James Clavering (1565–1630), was a successful merchant. A merchant adventurer was someone who traded goods, often by sea, taking risks to make a profit. This elder James Clavering was even the Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1607. He bought a large property called Axwell House near Blaydon on Tyne in 1629. This estate would become very important to the family.

Early Life and Education

James Clavering, the future Baronet, was born in 1620. He received a good education, which was common for people of his status at the time. He studied at Magdalene College, Cambridge, one of England's famous universities. After that, he went to Gray's Inn, which was a place where people studied law to become lawyers or judges. This education prepared him for a life of public service and managing his family's estates.

Inheriting Axwell Estate

In 1648, James Clavering's father passed away. This meant that James inherited the large Axwell estate. Owning such a significant property gave him influence and responsibility in the local area.

Sir James Clavering's Public Service

Sir James Clavering was very active in public life. He held several important roles that helped govern his region.

Serving as High Sheriff

In 1649, he became the High Sheriff of Durham. A High Sheriff was a very important official in a county. Their job was to maintain law and order, manage elections, and carry out court orders. It was a position of great trust and power.

Member of Parliament

From 1656 to 1658, Sir James served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Durham. This was during a time known as the Parliaments of the Protectorate, when England was ruled by Oliver Cromwell. As an MP, he represented the people of Durham in the national government, helping to make laws and decisions for the country.

Mayor of Newcastle

Later, in 1663, Sir James Clavering was elected Mayor of Newcastle. This was a very important role in one of England's major cities. The Mayor was responsible for the city's administration, trade, and welfare.

Becoming a Baronet

On 5 June 1661, James Clavering was given a special title: he was created a Baronet. A Baronet is a hereditary title, meaning it can be passed down through the family. It is a rank below a Baron but above a Knight. This honor showed his importance and loyalty to the Crown.

Sir James Clavering's Family

Sir James Clavering married Jane Maddison in 1640. They had several children. The Baronetcy (the title of Baronet) was passed down through his grandsons. Three of his grandsons, James, John, and Francis, each became Baronet in turn after him.

Family Connections

His son, John Clavering, was involved in the Jacobite rising of 1715. This was a rebellion that tried to put a different king on the throne of England. Because of his involvement, John was imprisoned in the Fleet prison in London.

Sir James also had a brother named Robert Clavering (1625–1675). Robert married a woman who inherited a large estate called Chopwell Hall in Chopwell, County Durham. Robert's granddaughter later married William Cowper, 1st Earl Cowper in 1706. Their son, William, later changed his name to Clavering-Cowper when he inherited the Chopwell estate from his uncle. This shows how families and their properties were connected through marriage in those times.