Sir John Wray, 2nd Baronet facts for kids

Sir John Wray, 2nd Baronet (born November 27, 1586 – died December 31, 1655) was an important English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's government, at different times between 1614 and 1648. He strongly supported the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War, a big conflict in England.

Sir John Wray's Early Life and Career

John Wray was the oldest son of Sir William Wray, 1st Baronet, of Glentworth. His mother was Lucy Montagu. Before he became an adult, he spent three years traveling to other countries.

In 1612, he was given the title of Knight. This was a special honor from the King. In 1614, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for a place called Grimsby. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the House of Commons.

When his father passed away in 1617, John Wray became the 2nd Baronet. A Baronet is a special title, like a knight, but it can be passed down through the family. In 1625, he was elected as an MP again, this time for Lincolnshire.

Standing Up to the King

In 1627, Sir John Wray became the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. This was an important local job, like a chief official for the county. Around this time, King Charles I wanted to raise money through something called a "forced loan." This was a tax the King tried to collect without the approval of Parliament.

Sir John Wray refused to help collect this loan. He also refused to pay it himself. Because of this, he was sent to Gatehouse Prison. Even after being imprisoned, he was re-elected as an MP for Lincolnshire in 1628. He served until 1629, when King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for eleven years.

Supporting Parliament in the Civil War

In 1636, Sir John Wray also refused to pay "shipmoney." This was another tax the King tried to collect without Parliament's permission.

In April 1640, he was elected as an MP for Lincolnshire again in what was called the Short parliament. He was known for being a strong Presbyterian, which was a type of Protestant Christian group. He was re-elected for the Long Parliament in November 1640.

Sir John Wray was very active in Parliament. He helped create an important statement in 1641. He also gave £600 to help fund the war effort in 1642. In 1643, he took an oath to support Parliament. He was an important leader in the "eastern association," which was a group of counties that worked together to support Parliament during the war.

By 1648, after a big event called Pride's Purge, he left political life. Sir John Wray was not against the idea of a king, but he did agree with the executions of some of the King's advisors, like Thomas Wentworth and William Laud. However, he did not approve of the King's own execution.

Sir John Wray's Family

Sir John Wray married Grisilla Bethell in September 1607. They had eight daughters and four sons together.

Here are some of their children:

• Frances Wray (born 1611)
• William Wray (born and died in 1613)
• Elizabeth Wray (born 1615 – died 1617)
• Anne Wray (born 1617 – died 1621)
• Sir John Wray, 3rd Baronet (1619–1664)
• Theophilus Wray (born 1624 – died 1664)
• William Wray (born 1626)
• Theodosia Wray (born 1631)
• Bethell Wray
• Grisilla Wray

His son, Sir John Wray, 3rd Baronet, also became a captain in the parliamentary army and an MP. He passed away in 1664.