Sir Thomas Barnardiston, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Thomas Barnardiston (died 14 October 1669) was an important English figure who lived during a time of great change. He was a landowner, a soldier, and a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is someone elected to represent people in the country's government, like a modern-day politician. Sir Thomas fought on the side of Parliament during the English Civil War.
Sir Thomas was the son of Sir Nathaniel Barnardiston from Kedington, Suffolk. His mother was Jane, the daughter of Sir Stephen Soame, who was once the Lord Mayor of London. His brother was Sir Samuel Barnardiston. Sir Thomas studied at St Catharine's College, Cambridge and later became a lawyer at Gray's Inn.
Sir Thomas's Role in the English Civil War
Sir Thomas Barnardiston was knighted in 1641. This means he was given a special title by the King. However, when the English Civil War began, he chose to support the Parliament against King Charles I. This group was often called the "Roundheads."
Serving as a Member of Parliament
In 1645, Sir Thomas was elected as a Member of Parliament for Bury St. Edmunds. He served in what was known as the Long Parliament. He continued to be an MP even after a big event called Pride's Purge, which changed who was allowed to be in Parliament.
Later, in 1654, he was elected as an MP for Suffolk. He served in the First Protectorate Parliament and again in the Second Protectorate Parliament in 1656. He was re-elected in 1659 for the Third Protectorate Parliament. He also returned to Parliament for Bury St. Edmunds in 1659, during a time when the government was trying to find its way after the Civil War.
Family Life and Later Years
Sir Thomas Barnardiston married Anne Airmine. She was the daughter of Sir William Airmine, 1st Baronet.
After the Civil War, Sir Thomas supported the return of the King to power. This event is known as the Restoration of the Monarchy. King Charles II rewarded him for his support. On 7 April 1663, the King made Sir Thomas the 1st Baronet of Ketton. A baronet is a special title that can be passed down through the family.
Sir Thomas Barnardiston passed away in 1669 and was buried in Kedington. His son, also named Sir Thomas, took over his title. Sir Thomas's daughter, Anne, married a famous traveler named Sir Philip Skippon (1641-1691).
