Sir William Masham, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir William Masham, 1st Baronet (born around 1592, died around 1656) was an important English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is a part of the English Parliament, for many years between 1624 and 1655.

Sir William Masham's Life and Career

Early Life and Education

William Masham was the only son of William Masham, who lived in London. Young William went to Magdalen College, Oxford in 1607 to study. Later, in 1610, he also studied law at the Inner Temple, which is a famous place for training lawyers in London.

Becoming a Baronet and Member of Parliament

On December 20, 1621, William Masham was given a special title: he became a Baronet. This was a new type of hereditary title, like a knight, but it could be passed down in his family.

He then became a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's government. Sir William was elected to represent Maldon in the Parliament sessions of 1624, 1625, and 1626.

In 1628, he was elected as the MP for Colchester. He took this seat after another MP, Edward Alford, left.

Serving in Important Parliaments

Sir William Masham continued his political career. In April 1640, he was again elected as the MP for Colchester in what was called the Short Parliament. This Parliament was very brief.

Later that same year, in November 1640, he was elected to represent Essex in the Long Parliament. This Parliament lasted for a very long time and was important during a period of big changes in England.

He was re-elected as the MP for Essex in 1654. This time, he served in the First Protectorate Parliament.

Family Life

Sir William Masham married Elizabeth. She was the daughter of Joan and Sir Francis Barrington. Elizabeth had been married before to Sir James Altham.

Sir William and Elizabeth had three sons and one daughter. At least one of their sons passed away before Sir William did.