Sir William Strickland, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir William Strickland (born around 1596 – died July 12, 1673) was an important English Member of Parliament. He strongly supported the Parliament during the English Civil War.

Boynton Hall today – the family home of the Strickland baronets

William Strickland was the oldest son of Walter Strickland. He grew up in Boynton, a place in Yorkshire. When his father passed away in 1636, William inherited the family lands, including a large house called Boynton Hall. He went to Queens' College, Cambridge for his education and later studied law at Gray's Inn.

Becoming a Leader

William Strickland became a knight in 1630. This was an honor given by the king. In 1640, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for the area of Hedon. A Member of Parliament (MP) is someone elected to represent people in the country's government.

Choosing a Side in the Civil War

At first, William seemed to be a friend of Thomas Wentworth, a powerful leader. However, William was a very strict Puritan. Puritans were a group of people who wanted to make the Church of England simpler and more "pure."

As tensions grew between King Charles I and Parliament, William firmly sided with Parliament. Even though he supported Parliament, the King made him a baronet in 1641. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in the family. The King might have hoped this honor would make William support him instead.

Supporting Parliament and Cromwell

William Strickland remained an MP for Hedon during the long period known as the Long Parliament. He was a strong supporter of the Parliament's cause. He also became a firm supporter of Oliver Cromwell, who later became a very powerful leader in England.

Parliament During the Commonwealth

After the King was defeated, England became a republic called the Commonwealth. William continued to serve in Parliament. He was elected again in 1654 and 1656 to represent the East Riding area. Later, he was even asked to join Cromwell's House of Peers, which was like an upper house of Parliament. His younger brother, Walter Strickland, was also involved in politics during this time.

Later Years

After the English monarchy was restored in 1660, William Strickland seemed to step away from public life. He didn't get into trouble with the new government.

Family Life

Sir William Strickland was married two times. His first wife was Margaret Cholmley, whom he married in 1622. They had four daughters. After Margaret passed away in 1629, he married Frances Finch. With Frances, he had one son named Thomas. Thomas later inherited his father's baronet title.

Sources

• Dictionary of National Biography
• J Foster, Pedigrees of the County Families of Yorkshire (1874)
• Victoria County History of the East Riding of Yorkshire
• Who’s Who in Yorkshire (1912)