Sir Theophilus Biddulph, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Theophilus Biddulph, 1st Baronet (born in 1612, died March 25, 1683) was an important person in English history. He was a successful businessman and a politician who lived during the 1600s. He was known for his work in London and his time serving in the English Parliament.
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Early Life and Career
Theophilus Biddulph was born in 1612. His father was Michael Biddulph, who lived in a place called Elmhurst in Staffordshire, England.
A London Silk Merchant
Theophilus Biddulph became a "Silkman" in London. This meant he was a merchant who dealt with silk, a very valuable fabric at the time. His business was successful, and he became quite well-known.
Becoming a Baronet
In 1660, Theophilus Biddulph was given a special honor: he was knighted. This meant he was given the title "Sir." A few years later, on November 2, 1664, he received an even higher honor. He was made the 1st Baronet in the Baronetage of England.
A Baronet is a special title that is passed down through families. It's like being a knight, but the title can be inherited by your children. This made his family part of the important noble families in England.
Where He Lived
Sir Theophilus Biddulph lived at Westcombe Manor, which was in Greenwich, Kent. This was a significant home for him and his family.
Political Life
Sir Theophilus Biddulph was also involved in politics. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's government, helping to make laws and decisions.
Representing London and Lichfield
He was an MP for the City of London from 1656 to 1659. Later, he represented the town of Lichfield in Staffordshire from 1661 to 1679. This shows he was a trusted leader who served his country for a long time.
Mentioned in a Famous Diary
Sir Theophilus Biddulph is even mentioned in the famous diary of Samuel Pepys. Samuel Pepys was a well-known writer who kept a detailed diary about life in England during the 1660s. Being mentioned in his diary shows that Sir Theophilus was a notable figure of his time.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir Theophilus Biddulph passed away in Greenwich on March 25, 1683, when he was 72 years old. He was buried on April 14, 1683, at Stow Church in Lichfield.
His son, also named Michael, took over his title and became the 2nd Baronet. This continued the family's important legacy. Sir Theophilus Biddulph is remembered as a successful businessman and a dedicated public servant in 17th-century England.
