Sir William D'Oyly, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir William D'Oyly (born around 1614, died 1677) was an important English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, for many years between 1654 and 1677.

Sir William D'Oyly: A Life in Politics

Early Life and Adventures

William D'Oyly was the son of a man also named William D'Oyly. He inherited a lot of land and wealth from his uncle Henry and his cousin Susan. This included places like Pond-hall in Hadleigh, Topsfield, and Cossford in Suffolk, and Shotesham, Gostlings, and three manors in Warham in Norfolk.

Before he became a politician, William D'Oyly was an adventurer! He served as a soldier in the army of Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, a famous king and military leader. He stayed abroad even after Gustavus Adolphus died. When he returned to England, he took over his family's fortune. In 1642, King Charles I recognized his bravery and made him a knight.

Serving in Parliament

Sir William D'Oyly became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1654. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the House of Commons. He represented Norfolk in the First Protectorate Parliament. This was a special parliament that met during a time when England was not ruled by a king.

He was chosen again as an MP for Norfolk in 1656 for the Second Protectorate Parliament. He also served in the Third Protectorate Parliament in 1659.

Helping the King

In 1660, Sir William D'Oyly was elected as an MP for Great Yarmouth. This was for the Convention Parliament. This parliament was very important because it helped bring the royal family back to power after a period without a king. Sir William was very keen on bringing the king back.

He was known as a very skilled gentleman and was highly respected in his county. In 1661, he was one of the people chosen by the House of Commons to help break up the army. He was also chosen by the city of Norwich to meet the King soon after he returned. They returned the city's old charter (a special document giving rights), and the King gave it back to them.

Sir William was re-elected as an MP for Great Yarmouth in 1661 for the Cavalier Parliament. He continued to serve in Parliament until he passed away in 1677. In 1663, he was given the special title of Baronet, of Shottisham. A Baronet is a hereditary title, like a knight but passed down through the family.

Family Life

Sir William D'Oyly married Margaret Randall, who was from Pulham in Norfolk. They had a large family with six daughters and three sons. When Sir William passed away, his son, also named William, inherited his title as the 2nd Baronet.

Arms of Sir William D'Oyly, 1st Baronet

Crest Out of a ducal coronet Or two wings erect Sable bezantée between which and resting on the strawberry leaf of the coronet an estoile of six points Argent. Escutcheon Gules three bucks' heads cabossed Argent. Motto Do Noe Ylle Quoth D'Oylle (Do No Ill, Quoth Doyle)