Tanfield Vachell facts for kids

Tanfield Vachell (1602–1658) was an English politician. He served as a member of the House of Commons from 1645 to 1653.

Early Life and Family

Tanfield Vachell was born in 1602 and was baptized on December 27 in Gayton, Northamptonshire. His father was John Vachell of Warfield, and his mother was Mary Vincent. Tanfield went to Exeter College, Oxford, where he earned his degree in 1622.

Inheriting Estates

Tanfield's uncle, Sir Thomas Vachell, lived at Coley Park in Reading, Berkshire. Sir Thomas had no children and wanted a family member to inherit his properties. Because of this, Tanfield was encouraged to marry. After his uncle died in 1638, Tanfield inherited the family estates. In 1641, he became the High Sheriff of Berkshire, which was an important local role.

Role in the English Civil War

Tanfield Vachell was influenced by his uncle's widow, Lady Letitia Vachell. She later married John Hampden, a key leader for the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War. Lady Vachell continued to live at Coley Park. Tanfield Vachell rented another home in Reading, called Abbey House.

Refusing the King's Order

In November 1642, the King ordered Vachell to escort him through the county. However, this order was often used as an excuse to break up local groups of soldiers. Tanfield Vachell refused to obey the King's command.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1645, Tanfield Vachell was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Reading. He joined the Long Parliament, which was a very important time in English history.

Interests and Later Life

Tanfield Vachell was more interested in art and collecting than in politics. He gathered a large collection of rare paintings, books, and interesting objects. A famous artist named Sir Peter Lely even painted his portrait. Around 1651, he also helped restore Coley Park, making it look new again.

Tanfield Vachell passed away in Reading in May 1658. He was buried at St Mary's Church in Reading on June 1, 1658.

Marriages and Inheritance

Vachell married twice. His first wife was Anne Cox, who died in 1651 without having any children. In 1652, he married Rebecca Leman. She was the daughter of Sir William Leman, 1st Baronet, who was in charge of the Parliament's war money. Tanfield Vachell did not have any children with either of his wives.

Vachell left his valuable collections, including paintings, books, medals, and ivory carvings, to his wife for her lifetime. If they had no children, these items would go to his kinsman's son, Thomas. After his death, there was a long legal case about his will, which lasted about fifteen years. The case was eventually decided in favor of his heir. The Coley estate then went to Thomas Vatchell, the son of his kinsman. Today, the area known as Coley Park was largely built on the lands of this old estate.