Sir John Fenwick, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir John Fenwick, 1st Baronet (born around 1570 – died around 1658) was an important English landowner and politician from Northumberland. He was known for supporting the Parliament (also called the Roundheads) during the English Civil War.

About Sir John Fenwick

John Fenwick was the son of Sir William Fenwick, who had been the Sheriff of Northumberland twice. A Sheriff was a local official who helped keep law and order. John was knighted in 1605, which meant he received a special title from the King. He took over his family's estates in 1618 when he was about 35 years old. Sir John also served as Sheriff of Northumberland in 1619 and again in 1644.

Sir John's Political Life

Sir John Fenwick was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Northumberland several times. An MP is a person chosen to represent their area in the country's government, making laws and decisions. He was first elected in 1624, and then again in 1625, 1626, and 1628.

In 1628, he was given the special title of the 1st Baronet Fenwick of Fenwick. A Baronet is a hereditary title, meaning it can be passed down through the family, similar to a knight but ranking below a baron.

Horses and the King

Sir John was very good at breeding racehorses. He became a favorite of King Charles I. The King trusted him to manage the Royal Stud, which was where the King's racehorses were bred and kept. From 1639, Sir John was in charge of the Royal Race, or Stud, for the King.

Later Years in Parliament

In April 1640, Sir John was elected MP for Northumberland again, for a short period of Parliament. Then, in 1641, he was elected MP for Cockermouth. He was re-elected for Northumberland in 1642. For a short time in 1644, he was not allowed to sit in Parliament, but he was welcomed back in June 1646.

Sir John owned a lot of land in Northumberland and Durham. However, he faced money problems and had to sell most of his land in 1650 for £20,000. He did keep his family home, Wallington Hall.

Sir John's Family

Sir John Fenwick passed away in 1658 when he was 79 years old. He was married three times. His first wife was Catherine Slingsby, and they had a son named John and two daughters. His second wife was Grace Loraine, and they had more children, including a son named William. His third wife was named Bond.

Sadly, his first son and heir, also named John, was killed in 1644 during the Battle of Marston Moor. He was fighting on the Royalist side, who supported the King during the Civil War. Because his first son died, Sir John was succeeded by his second son, William, who became the 2nd Baronet.