Sir Robert Long, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Robert Long, 1st Baronet (born around 1600, died July 13, 1673) was an important English official. He worked for the King and Queen and was also a member of the House of Commons, which is like a government assembly, at different times between 1626 and 1673.
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Early Life and Family
Sir Robert Long was the son of Sir Walter Long and Catherine Thynne. His family lived in Wiltshire, England. When he was about 16 years old, he started studying at Magdalen Hall, Oxford in 1622.
Working for the King
Long began his career as a Member of Parliament for Devizes in 1626 and again in 1628. He served until 1629, when King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for many years.
Before the English Civil War, Sir Robert held various jobs working for King Charles I of England. He became very close to Queen Henrietta Maria, the King's wife, and managed her lands.
During the Civil War
In April 1640, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Midhurst. Later, in 1644, he became a secretary for the Prince of Wales (who would later become King Charles II). In this role, he often represented the Queen's interests to the Prince.
Some people, like Edward Hyde, who wrote a famous book called History of the Rebellion, were not big fans of Sir Robert Long. They felt he cared too much about money. He was also thought to be not very well-liked by everyone.
Life in Exile
After King Charles I was executed, his son, Charles II of England, went to Scotland. Sir Robert Long went with him, still working for Queen Henrietta Maria. However, the Scottish people did not accept him, so he returned to Europe.
Later, when the Commonwealth government took control of Jersey, where Long had been staying, they found many of his letters. It seemed he was not fully trusted by either side during this time. Because of this, he lost his position in the King's court while they were in exile. Also, his land in England had been taken by Parliament.
Return to Power
When the King returned to England in 1660, an event known as the Restoration, Sir Robert Long was in a difficult situation. He told Edward Hyde, who was now very powerful, that he was poor.
However, he managed to get his old job back working for the Dowager Queen (the King's mother). He also received new jobs in the Exchequer, which was like the government's treasury department.
In 1661, he was elected as a Member of Parliament again for Boroughbridge. He remained an MP until he died. On September 1, 1662, he was given the title of baronet, becoming Sir Robert Long, 1st Baronet. He also became an auditor for the lower exchequer, checking government accounts.
In 1663, King Charles II gave him a long lease (a type of rental agreement) for a large park and a house called Worcester Park House in Surrey. He became a privy councillor in 1672, which meant he was a close advisor to the King.
Sir Robert Long died in 1673 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. He had become a very wealthy man by the time he passed away.
Family Life
Sir Robert Long never married. He made special arrangements so that his title of baronet would be passed down to his nephew, Sir James Long, 2nd Baronet.
