Sir Richard Grobham Howe, 2nd Baronet facts for kids

Sir Richard Grobham Howe (born August 28, 1621 – died May 3, 1703) was an English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like the main law-making body in England, at different times between 1656 and 1695. He was also known as the 2nd Baronet in his family.

Early Life and Education

Sir Richard Grobham Howe was the oldest son of Sir John Howe, 1st Baronet. His mother was Bridget Rich. Richard went to Hart Hall, Oxford, a famous university, in 1640. He also studied law at Lincoln's Inn in 1641.

From 1650 to 1652, and again from 1656 to 1680, he worked as a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Wiltshire. A J.P. is a local official who helps keep law and order.

Political Career

In 1656, Howe was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Wiltshire. He served in the Second Protectorate Parliament. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the House of Commons.

He was also a commissioner for assessment in Wiltshire in 1657. This meant he helped decide how much tax people should pay.

In 1659, he was elected MP for Wilton in the Third Protectorate Parliament. He continued to help with taxes for Wiltshire from 1660 to 1680.

Roles and Recognition

In March 1660, he became a commissioner for the militia in Wiltshire. The militia was a group of citizens who could be called upon to defend the area. In April 1660, he became a captain of the militia horse.

In June 1660, he was again elected MP for Wilton, this time in the Convention Parliament. He was also made a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber in July 1660, which was an honorary role in the royal household.

Around 1665, he was knighted, which means he was given the title "Sir." From 1668 to 1669, he served as High Sheriff of Wiltshire. This was an important local government role.

In 1670, he became a Deputy Lieutenant until 1688. A Deputy Lieutenant helps the Lord-Lieutenant, who is the King's or Queen's representative in a county.

Later Parliamentary Service

When his father passed away in 1671, Richard inherited the title of Baronet. In 1672, he became a freeman of Salisbury, which gave him certain rights in the city.

He continued to serve as a commissioner for assessment, this time for Gloucestershire, from 1673 to 1680.

In May 1675, he was elected MP for Wiltshire again, serving in the Cavalier Parliament. He was re-elected for Wiltshire in March 1679. Later that year, in October 1679, he was elected MP for Hindon. He was elected for Hindon again in 1681.

In 1685, he became a freeman of Wilton. In 1686, he was a commissioner for rebels' estates in Wiltshire, dealing with property from people who had rebelled.

He became a Deputy Lieutenant again in October 1688 and a Justice of the Peace for Wiltshire again in 1689. He continued to work as a commissioner for assessment for both Gloucestershire and Wiltshire in 1689 and 1690. In 1690, he was re-elected MP for Wilton.

Sir Richard Grobham Howe passed away at the age of 81.

Family Life

Sir Richard Grobham Howe was married twice. His first wife was Lucy St John. They married before 1642 and had five sons and four daughters together. Lucy passed away in 1658.

He then married Anne Dutton. Anne was the widow of John Dutton and the daughter of John King, who was the Bishop of London.

Richard's son, Richard, took over his title as Baronet after him. His brother, John, was also a Member of Parliament for Gloucestershire.