Sir John Bright, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir John Bright, 1st Baronet (born October 14, 1619 – died October 13, 1688) was an important English leader. He was a parliamentarian (someone who supported the Parliament) from Carbrook and Badsworth, places in Yorkshire.
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Early Life
John Bright was born in 1619. He was the third son of Stephen Bright and Joan Westby, but he was their only son who survived to adulthood.
A Brave Soldier in the Civil War
When the English Civil War began, John Bright joined the side of the Parliament. He was very young, only twenty-one. He gathered many soldiers near Sheffield. Lord Fairfax made him a captain.
By April 1643, Bright became a colonel, leading a group of soldiers on foot. Another officer, John Hodgson, said Bright was "very valiant and prudent." In May 1643, Bright helped with a brave night raid on Wakefield. A pamphlet called 'A Miraculous Victory' wrote about this event.
Bright fought alongside Sir Thomas Fairfax in Cheshire. He led soldiers at the battle of Selby. He also helped capture Sheffield Castle by bringing new cannons. For a short time, he was the governor of Sheffield in August 1644. Later, he became the military governor of York. He likely fought in the big Battle of Marston Moor.
During the second civil war, Bright served with Oliver Cromwell in Scotland. He also helped in the siege of Pontefract. Later, when Cromwell went to Scotland again, Bright briefly left his army role. This was because he was not given a short break he asked for. Cromwell suggested someone else take his place. But Bright's soldiers liked him and wanted him back. So, Bright was put back in charge. He helped defeat Sir Marmaduke Langdale's army. He also helped Cromwell win a major battle against the Scottish army at Preston.
Bright continued to be active in public life. In 1651, he was asked to raise soldiers to stop Charles II from entering England. He did the same in 1659. Bright also helped stop a plan to harm the leader, Lord Protector, in 1654.
Life After Fighting
After his time in the army, John Bright became a country gentleman. He owned land mainly in Badsworth and Ecclesall. In 1654, he became the High Sheriff of Yorkshire. This was an important local government role. He also served as governor of York and Hull. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for West Riding of Yorkshire.
It is believed he helped bring back the king (this event was called the Restoration). In July 1660, he was made a baronet, which is a special title. He had been knighted before this.
Family Life
Sir John Bright married four times. He had one daughter who survived, named Catherine. Catherine married Sir Henry Liddell, 3rd Baronet. When Sir John Bright died, he left his lands to his grandson, John Liddell. John Liddell then took the name Bright to keep the family name going.
His Final Years
Sir John Bright passed away on October 13, 1688. He was buried in the church at Badsworth.
