Sir John Bernard, 2nd Baronet facts for kids
Sir John Bernard, 2nd Baronet (born November 1630 – died 25 June 1679) was an English politician. He served as a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, between 1654 and 1660.
Who Was Sir John Bernard?
Sir John Bernard was born in Northampton. His father was Sir Robert Bernard, 1st Baronet, who was also a politician. Sir Robert had been a Member of Parliament (MP) for Huntingdon in 1640.
Early Life and Education
John Bernard grew up in Huntingdon. He studied law at a place called Middle Temple starting in 1645. He also went to Christ's College, Cambridge, a famous university, in 1646.
Political Career
In 1654, John Bernard was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Huntingdon. He served in the First Protectorate Parliament. He was elected again in 1656 for the Second Protectorate Parliament and in 1659 for the Third Protectorate Parliament.
In 1660, he was re-elected as an MP for Huntingdon in the Convention Parliament. This was an important time in English history.
When his father passed away in 1666, John Bernard became the 2nd Baronet. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family. As the lord of the manor (which means he owned a lot of land), he used his legal knowledge to manage properties.
Family Life
Sir John Bernard passed away at 48 years old. He was buried at Brampton church in Northamptonshire. There is a special marble monument there to remember him.
Sir John Bernard was married twice.
- His first wife was Elizabeth St John. She was the daughter of Oliver St John, who was a very important judge. They had one son, Robert, who became the next Baronet. They also had eight daughters. One of their daughters, Joanna, married a famous scholar named Richard Bentley. He was a master at Trinity College, Cambridge. A portrait of Joanna, painted by William Wissing, is still at the college today.
- His second wife was Grace Shuckburgh. She was the daughter of Sir Richard Shuckburgh. They did not have any children together. After Sir John Bernard died, Grace married again. She passed away in 1721.
